Rajasthan schoolgirls smear ink on principal's face in molestation protest
Government schoolgirls in Rajasthan's Ajmer district smeared ink on the face of their principal during a protest on Monday (August 17, 2026), after accusing him of molestation. Police said they have detained the principal and will register a case.
The incident took place at a government senior secondary school in the Pushkar area. Students and their parents had gathered outside the school, demanding action against principal Sushil Kumar Rinwa. According to Station House Officer (SHO) Ashok Bishu of Pushkar police station, the girls applied ink on the principal's face as the protest escalated.
"Police reached the spot and detained the accused. A case of molestation will be registered under relevant sections," Mr. Bishu said. He added that the investigation is in its preliminary stages.
Ajmer's Chief District Education Officer (CDEO), Govind Narayan Sharma, said his office received information about the protest and immediately sent an officer to the school. The officer recorded the statements of the girls who levelled the allegations. "The report has been forwarded to senior officers for necessary action against the principal," Mr. Sharma said.
The allegations against the principal have not been independently verified, and he has not yet made a public statement. In keeping with legal procedures, the accused will have the opportunity to present his side during the inquiry. Police said they are collecting evidence and recording the statements of witnesses.
Depending on the age of the complainants, the case may attract provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as well as relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Legal experts point out that while the protesters' demand for accountability is understandable, due process must be followed to ensure justice for all.
This protest comes a week after a government school teacher in Ajmer's Kekdi area was suspended over similar allegations. Officials said the teacher's suspension is part of an ongoing inquiry. The repeated incidents have raised concerns about safety in educational institutions.
School safety has been a concern across India, with several states implementing measures to protect students. The Rajasthan government has issued guidelines for the safety of children in schools, including the formation of complaint committees and mandatory reporting of sexual harassment. Authorities have urged students to report incidents through official channels.
The protest has also sparked a debate on the methods used by students to register grievances. While the act of smearing ink is symbolic, it raises questions about whether such actions undermine the rule of law. Civil society members have stressed the importance of using institutional mechanisms, while acknowledging the frustration that leads to such demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the district administration has assured a thorough investigation. The school has been asked to cooperate with police and provide necessary records. The principal has been temporarily moved from his post, according to sources, though official confirmation is awaited.
The students and their parents have welcomed the prompt response from authorities but have demanded a time-bound investigation and strict action if the allegations are proven. They have also sought counselling for the affected students.
This incident underscores the need for swift and fair justice in cases of sexual misconduct in educational settings. It also highlights the importance of creating a safe environment where students can raise their voices without fear.
