Suraj Mourya
NOT just one, two or even three, which is a shocking matter in itself, a teacher who is accused of rape also allegedly molested 18 minor students at Navi Mumbai based school. Assistant police inspector, Vasudev More, the investigation officer (I.O.) has been suspended for negligence in duty. Also, the case has been transferred to crime branch for further investigation.
The matter came to light in September when a 13-years-old girl complained of nausea and stomach pain. Her mother took her to a private doctor. After diagnosing her doctor informed that she was four weeks pregnant. The schoolgirl claimed that she was raped in school by a teacher. She had kept silent as the teacher had threatened her of dire consequences.
The teacher identified as Harishankar Avadh Shukla a resident of Koparkhairne in Navi Mumbai. He was a teacher at Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s (MGM) Primary and Secondary School situated at Sector-8, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. 42-years-old, Shukla raped 7th standard student in school toilet twice in April and August this year during a physical education training (PT) session. Shockingly, Shukla was suspended on first incident. Still he was frequently attending school and raped girl again in August.
The girl’s mother registered FIR at Nerul police station under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Shukla. Police tracked down his location to Delhi. He had been on the run since September when the FIR was registered. He tried to get anticipatory bail from Sessions Court but failed. Shukla is married and has one son.
18 parents’ complained
In a shocking development 18 parents approached school principal complaining that their daughters were molested. Nerul police’s role was always suspicious since the FIR was registered. The investigation officer, assistant police inspector (API) Vasudev More had done a shoddy investigation.
Navi Mumbai police commissioner Hemant Nagrale suspended More and also started enquiry against him through crime branch. The matter has been also transferred to crime branch for further investigation. A police team has been also sent to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh to trace Shukla.