Ranchi, Jharkhand:
A chilling case from Shraddhanand Sevashram Middle School in Ranchi has once again raised the alarm over the safety of girls in educational institutions. Abhishek Kumar Sinha, a teacher appointed in December 2023, is accused of grooming and sexually exploiting minor girl students in repeated acts of abuse.
The allegations include luring students into a so-called “love trap,” initiating obscene chats, coercing them into nude video calls, and, in one instance, taking a minor to a hotel for an overnight stay. The trauma has left at least one victim unable to attend school for several days.
Cover-Up Allegations Against School Authorities
What makes this case even more disturbing is the alleged inaction by Principal Anuj Kumar Singh. Despite being informed on August 18, the principal reportedly failed to notify the police, instead issuing a mere warning letter to the accused the next day.
Sources claim the principal also pressured staff to sign a false statement suggesting the misconduct had been known for six months, possibly to spread the blame and justify inaction.
Possible Bribery and Multiple Victims
An anonymous complaint to the Jharkhand Women’s Commission and the Education Secretary claims that 10 to 15 students may have been victimised. It further alleges that Sinha’s job was secured through a bribe to the school secretary, potentially explaining why the management tried to shield him.
The complaint notes that the predatory behaviour began as early as February 2024, with Sinha targeting girls after school hours via obscene chats and sexual advances.
Legal Angle: POCSO Act Violations
Evidence submitted includes explicit chat screenshots between the teacher and a student. The charges fall under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, which mandates immediate police reporting of such crimes. Failure to report is itself a punishable offence under the Act.
Social activists warn that many adolescent girls, due to a lack of sex education, fail to recognise grooming tactics until it’s too late. This incident has shown how easily predators can exploit trust within schools.
Why This Case Should Concern Everyone
This is not just a crime against a few girls — it’s a warning to all parents, educators, and community members. Schools are meant to be safe spaces, but when authorities themselves fail to act, predators operate without fear.
- Parents must maintain open communication with children about online and offline safety.
- Schools must follow mandatory reporting laws without delay.
- Society must support survivors instead of silencing them.
The Jharkhand Women’s Commission has confirmed receiving the complaint, and calls for immediate arrest of the accused and legal action against complicit officials are growing louder.
