Punjab: School Headmaster, 52, Arrested for Sexual Assault on Minor Girl
Police in Punjab have arrested a 52-year-old government school headmaster for allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl earlier this month. The arrest was confirmed by officials on Friday, who said the accused was taken into custody on Thursday.
According to the complaint filed by the minor girl's father, the incident took place on August 11 between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm near a village cremation ground. The police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).
Station House Officer of Hariana police station, Sub-Inspector Gurbachan Singh, confirmed that the accused was arrested on Thursday and said further investigation in the case is underway.
The arrest follows due process of law, and the police have not yet disclosed further details of the investigation. The accused remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.
This case highlights the continued need for strict enforcement of laws designed to protect children from sexual offences. The POCSO Act, which came into force in 2012, provides for stringent punishment for such crimes and mandates child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and allow the legal system to function without interference. They have also assured that the rights of the minor victim will be fully protected throughout the judicial process.
The identity of the victim has not been disclosed, in line with legal provisions that prohibit revealing the identity of minors involved in such cases.
