Patiala teacher suspended for molesting students
Accused remanded in judicial custody; DEO says if convicted, the state government will terminate his services.
A day after teacher in-charge of government middle school at Sadaranpur village in the district was arrested for molestation of girls of Classes 6 and 7 on Wednesday, the Punjab education department has suspended the teacher with immediate effect. The accused Balkar Singh taught Punjabi and was the incharge of Government Middle School.
Director of public instruction (DPI), secondary, Balbir Singh Dhol said, “The suspension order of Balkar was released after the Patiala education officer filed her report attached with a copy of the first information report (FIR) against him.”
He added that if Balkar was convicted, he would be terminated and a department inquiry has been ordered.
“A woman teacher has been appointed to conduct the inquiry at the department level. She will record the statements of the victims and compile a report,” said district education officer Harjinder Kaur.
Meanwhile, the accused has been remanded to judicial custody.
Investigation officer assistant sub-inspector Sahab Singh said 14 students had signed the complaint against the in-charge.
“The children have claimed that the accused molested them on the pretext of checking their health.