Tragedy Strikes Jashpur School Hostel
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across Chhattisgarh, a Class 9 girl student was discovered dead within the hostel premises of a private school in Jashpur district on Sunday. The case took a serious turn when allegations of sexual harassment emerged against the school principal, leading to his immediate detention by local authorities.
Disturbing Details Emerge from Investigation
Police officials confirmed recovering a handwritten note from the scene that reportedly contained disturbing accounts of repeated harassment and inappropriate physical contact by the principal. The minor student, who resided in the school hostel located in the Bagicha region, allegedly ended her life in the hostel study room while other students were away from the premises.
The incident triggered widespread panic not only within the school campus but also in surrounding villages. Local residents and school staff immediately alerted police authorities, who rushed to the spot to conduct preliminary investigations. Officers performed a detailed panchnama and sent the body for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Principal in Custody as Multiple Investigations Begin
Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh revealed that based on the contents of the handwritten note and initial statements, Bagicha police have taken the principal into custody for formal questioning. The official stated that further legal action will follow after thorough verification of facts and receipt of medical and forensic reports.
In a concerning development, police are also examining allegations that the hostel was operating without mandatory authorization from education authorities. Local sources claimed that the residential facility in this remote area lacked formal permission, prompting district administration and District Education Officer Pramod Bhatnagar to initiate separate probes into this matter.
The school is reportedly managed by a local committee, and the deceased girl hailed from a nearby region. She had been staying in the hostel to continue her education. Family members reached the school immediately after learning about the tragedy, and their statements are being recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police authorities have assured that the case is being investigated from all possible angles, including the sequence of events leading to the death, hostel living conditions, staff conduct, and any prior complaints against school personnel. The principal remains in custody and could face charges under stringent child protection laws if the allegations are substantiated during the investigation.
