Munish Sood
SOLAN/MANDI: A 53-year-old government school teacher has been arrested in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district following allegations of inappropriate conduct with girl students.
The accused, Iqbal Bhatia, was posted at a primary school located on the Kunihar-Nalagarh Road.
The issue surfaced when several families reported changes in their daughters’ behaviour, with some children as young as six refusing to attend school and expressing discomfort with their school uniforms.
One mother, in her formal complaint filed on June 13, alleged that her seven-year-old daughter, a Class 3 student, had confided disturbing details about the teacher’s behaviour in the classroom.
Parents alleged that the teacher had created a fearful environment and had attempted to suppress the students’ voices by threatening academic consequences if they disclosed the incidents.
The matter sparked widespread concern in the local community. A delegation led by Rumit Thakur, associated with a social organisation, met the SHO of Kunihar police station. The group demanded immediate dismissal of the accused from his government post and called for strict legal action.
“This is not just about one individual; it’s about protecting our children and restoring trust in the education system,” said Thakur, urging authorities to set a strong example through prompt investigation and legal action.
Sources said that this was not the first time the teacher had courted a controversy. In 2018, a separate case related to public conduct was registered against him at the Arki police station. Despite prior concerns, no significant disciplinary action had been taken until now.
The police have arrested the accused and confirmed that an investigation was underway under appropriate legal sections. The Kunihar SHO said, “We are recording statements and examining the matter thoroughly. The well-being of the affected students is our top priority, and we are coordinating with child welfare authorities as needed.”
