Bihar school headmaster and teacher held over sexual abuse of minor girls; third accused on the run
In a significant action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Bihar Police have arrested the headmaster and a teacher of a government middle school in Dumraon, Buxar district, in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of girl students, including minors. The arrests come amid mounting public concern over safety in government schools.
The accused have been identified as headmaster Mohammad Imam Ali Ansari and teacher Arvind Kumar. Both were arrested following an FIR lodged on the complaint of a victim's mother, whose daughter is a minor. Authorities have charged the individuals under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with the POCSO Act. The complaint alleges that the girls were sexually abused over several months, objectionable videos of them were circulated, and they were threatened through audio messages.
According to police, a third teacher from the same institution, Virendra Prasad, remains absconding. He has been accused of being one of the main perpetrators. Police teams have been conducting raids at suspected hideouts, including a hotel where one of the alleged incidents reportedly took place. Buxar Superintendent of Police Shubham Arya said that although the case is old and dates back to January, making medical confirmation of rape difficult, authorities are gathering all possible evidence.
The headmaster, Mr. Ansari, is alleged to have aided and abetted the two main accused. Following the police action, the Bihar Education Department withdrew his name from the State Teacher Award 2026, which he was scheduled to receive on September 5, Teacher's Day. The department has also suspended both arrested teachers, and departmental proceedings have been initiated against them.
District Education Officer Indra Kumar Karn confirmed that Arvind Kumar was recruited through the TRE-3 examination conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission in 2024, while Virendra Prasad had been posted at the school through a transfer in 2013. The education department said it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
According to preliminary findings shared by police, the victim is a former student of the school. Investigators are looking into whether other students were also affected. SP Arya noted that information has emerged about at least three former students, one of whom is a minor. Police Headquarters has now handed over the investigation to the State Crime Investigation Department (CID) for a deeper and more specialised inquiry.
Buxar district authorities have issued a press statement confirming the gravity of the allegations. The Block Education Officer of Dumraon had reported serious charges against the accused teachers, including molestation of girl students and circulation of objectionable content. In response, senior officials visited the police station to review the case and ensure that the investigation proceeds without lapses.
The case has also drawn political attention. Bihar Congress spokesperson Dr. Snehashish Vardhan has demanded a probe into the selection process for the State Teacher Award, questioning how the headmaster was chosen for the honour despite such allegations. He called for accountability for officials responsible for recommending the name.
The arrests have reignited discussions about safeguarding children in educational institutions. While the legal process is expected to take its course, the police have assured that all accused will be brought to justice. Experts emphasise the need for robust grievance redressal mechanisms in schools and swift action against any form of abuse.
Further details about the case are awaited as the CID takes over the investigation. Meanwhile, the school administration has been asked to cooperate with the authorities, and local officials have urged parents to report any similar concerns to the police or the child helpline.
