A disturbing incident from Garhwa district’s Sagma block has sparked such a reaction, where serious allegations of sexual harassment have emerged from Utkramit Madhya Vidyalaya, Uttari Sondhiha.
According to a written complaint, the school's Rasoighar Sanyojika (midday meal coordinator), Sushma Kumari, has accused the school principal, Lalit Kumar, of sexual misconduct. Sushma alleges that on Wednesday around 11 AM, while she was counting rice sacks in the store room as part of her daily routine, the principal entered from behind, grabbed her saree, and attempted to touch her inappropriately. When she resisted, he allegedly covered her mouth and threatened to have her husband killed if she spoke out, warning that he would publicly ruin her reputation.
The complainant further stated that this was not an isolated incident. According to her, the principal had made previous advances, often attempting to show her obscene videos and threatening to remove her from her position if she did not comply with his demands.
Initially, fearing social stigma and the loss of her job, Sushma remained silent. However, when the harassment escalated, she confided in her husband and then lodged a formal complaint with the local police.
In a statement to the press, she said, “I was only doing my duty. At first, I thought maybe this was just his behavior, but when he began speaking inappropriately and tried to show me obscene videos in private, I became suspicious of his intentions. When I resisted, he threatened to defame me.”
Her written complaint details repeated instances of inappropriate physical contact, mental harassment, and threats of job termination.
The incident has caused widespread outrage in the region. Parents of students at the school have expressed deep anger and demanded the immediate suspension of the accused headmaster.
Responding to the allegations, principal Lalit Kumar has denied all charges, calling them baseless and unfounded.
Dhurki Police Station in-charge Upendra Kumar confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that a thorough investigation is underway. "Strict legal action will be taken if the allegations are found to be true," he said.
This troubling episode has once again raised questions about the safety and dignity of women working within the education system — institutions meant to uphold the highest moral standards.