ITANAGAR: A case of physical abuse against 20 children at Acharyakulam School in Seijosa has sparked outrage, leading Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) to demand the arrest and termination of the school in-charge.
Expressing deep anguish over the incident, APSCPCR secretary Khoda Rakhi, accompanied by senior officials, visited the school to conduct an inquiry into the matter.
The team, comprising Seijosa ADC T R Tapu, SDPO S C Norbu, and district child welfare committee member Nabam Petru, interacted with the victims and their parents.
Rakhi revealed that the investigation uncovered instances of physical abuse inflicted upon 20 students in classes I to IV by school in-charge Sadhvi Devkriti on December 7.
The students were reportedly threatened with dire consequences if they disclosed the abuse to their parents.
The parents only became aware of the situation after noticing bruises on their children’s bodies, Rakhi told the press.
Despite the school’s management terminating Devkriti’s services, APSCPCR insists that this action is insufficient.
Rakhi urged for her immediate arrest and prosecution under applicable laws, advocating for severe punishment.
It was also highlighted that Acharyakulam School, in operation since 2019, is yet to be registered.
APSCPCR called for strict action by the state Education Department against the school management.
In response to the incident, the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) penned a letter to APSCPCR, expressing concern and seeking justice for the affected children.
This incident has prompted renewed calls for stringent verification of character antecedents for all employees in government and private educational institutes.
