Child welfare panel steps in after harassment allegation at Srinagar school

Former students share additional allegations online as MLA calls for a fair and time-bound investigation

Srinagar: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has initiated proceedings into the alleged sexual harassment of a female student by a non-teaching staff member at a private school in Srinagar, a day after the allegations surfaced publicly and prompted a police investigation.

CWC Chairperson Khair ul Nissa told Free Press Kashmir that the committee had taken cognisance of the case and would examine the circumstances surrounding the allegations to ensure the child’s rights and welfare are protected.

The development comes a day after RP School in Malla Bagh terminated the accused employee following allegations made by the student in a social media post, in which she alleged that the staff member sexually harassed her several months ago.

Following the student’s disclosure, several individuals claiming to be former students of the school posted on social media alleging misconduct by the same staff member. The allegations have not been independently verified.

Some users alleged that previous complaints against the employee had been ignored by the school administration and that students who raised concerns were discouraged or humiliated.

Others claimed the accused cultivated trust with female students before allegedly exploiting that relationship and later questioned students who discussed the allegations.

The school has not publicly responded to the additional allegations.

The case has also drawn political attention.

Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar said he was “deeply concerned and distressed” by the reports and called for a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation. In a post on X, he urged Srinagar Police to ensure that anyone found guilty is dealt with in accordance with the law and called for appropriate action against the school management, if warranted, to protect students and prevent interference with the investigation.

“There can be no compromise when it comes to the safety and security of our children,” Sagar wrote.

Free Press Kashmir repeatedly contacted the school administration for comment on the fresh allegations made on social media but received no response by the time of publication.

Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Dr G.V. Sundeep, said he was unavailable to comment immediately due to an official meeting and did not provide a further update before publication. The police investigation remains ongoing.