News Flash Daily
28 February 
Minor girls allege prolonged sexual harassment, confinement, and intimidation at a Devanahalli residential school; police register POCSO case based on parents’ complaint
Devanahalli: Serious allegations of sexual abuse of minor girl students have surfaced from a residential school located in Devanahalli, sending shockwaves across the Bengaluru Rural district. Acting on a formal complaint lodged by parents, the Devanahalli Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against the school owner and his wife.
According to police sources, the accused have been identified as Dhananjay (A1), the owner of the residential school, and his wife Shailaja (A2). The FIR was registered after two minor girls narrated their ordeal to their parents, who immediately approached the police.
Allegations of Sexual Abuse Inside School Premises
As per the complaint, Dhananjay allegedly sexually harassed two minor girls residing in the school hostel. The victims told investigators that the accused would allegedly enter their rooms at night, sometimes under the influence of alcohol, and on certain occasions call them to the warden’s room, where the harassment reportedly took place. Despite his age, the accused allegedly continued the abuse over a period of time.
Wife Accused of Suppressing the Crime
Unable to endure the alleged abuse, the girls reportedly informed Shailaja about her husband’s actions. However, the complaint states that instead of intervening, she allegedly supported her husband and warned the victims not to disclose the incidents to anyone, including their parents or school authorities.
Eight Days of Alleged Confinement and Intimidation
The FIR further states that the accused couple allegedly confined the girls within the hostel premises for eight consecutive days, barring them from stepping out or contacting their families. The victims claimed they were subjected to continuous pressure and mental harassment to ensure the matter did not reach their parents.
Parents Alert Police After Distress Call
On February 27, the girls reportedly managed to contact their parents and disclosed the alleged abuse. Shocked by the revelations, the parents rushed to the school and filed a detailed complaint at the Devanahalli Police Station. Based on their statement and preliminary inquiry, police registered a case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act.
School Under Scrutiny, Investigation Ongoing
Police officials confirmed that the residential school houses over 700 students, raising concerns about student safety and institutional oversight. The accused school owner is also said to hold a prominent position in an association of unaided private schools. Investigators have begun recording statements and collecting evidence, and further action will follow based on the findings.
“A POCSO case has been registered based on the complaint received from the parents. The matter is under investigation, and strict action will be taken as per law,” a senior police official stated.
