Sexual harassment: Girl students threaten suicide

Hubli: More than 40 girl students studying in a government residential school in Alamel town of Bijapur district who were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse by a cook have threatened to commit suicide. In a letter to the officials, the students have complained that the cook had been sexually abusing them for the last four years.

He used to threaten the students with dire consequences if they did not cooperate, they have alleged. The Alamel police have taken the cook, Vijaykumar Entamane, into custody and registered a complaint against him. Around 50 students between fifth and tenth standards are staying at the Kittur Rani Channamma Residential School run by the Social Welfare Department.

The cook, whose services had been outsourced, slept in the school every night. After sexually abusing the girls, he also allegedly forced them to take pills to avoid pregnancy. More than 20 students moved out of the hostel, unable to bear the abuse. The incident came to light during the Child Helpline Convener Sunanda Tolabandi’s visit to the hostel, and the students poured their hearts out to her..

“Though the cook stayed in the school, the authorities were not aware of it. The students did not have any option but to stay in the school as their families are in abject poverty. The cook used to threaten the students and abused them in filthy language if they did not cooperate. Officials should provide security to the students,”  said Ms Tolabandi.

Social Welfare Department officer Annigeri Math said that the school principal and others, who are guilty of negligence, will be suspended after an interrogation. Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya said that all girls’ hostels run by the government will be monitored and counseling sessions will be held once a week to hear and address the students’ grievances. The minister has sought suggestions from education experts to improve the standards in these hostels.