BGPM submits bill to SP

Darjeeling: A team of Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) met the Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling and submitted a memorandum, seeking speedy investigation in the POCSO case involving a teacher who was allegedly a 13 year-old specially handicapped child had been sexually abused in a school.

“We have met the Chief Inspector of Police and asked him for a speedy investigation so that the process can begin as soon as possible. For this purpose, the declaration form must be submitted at the earliest. The suspect has already been arrested and this is an open and shut case. The SP has assured us that instructions have been issued to the investigating officer for speedy investigation,” said Amar Lama, general secretary of BGPM.

“We would like to request you to initiate the investigation expeditiously and ensure that it is completed at the earliest so that the family of the victim girl gets justice on time, otherwise justice delayed will be denied justice,” the memorandum said. Incidentally, a specially handicapped minor was allegedly molested and sexually abused by her teacher at school. The 13-year-old had bruises on her body. The teacher Md. Hasim (23) is a special educator (who teaches specially handicapped children). On June 7, police arrested him on a complaint. He has been charged under Section 10 of the POCSO Act (aggravated sexual assault) and is facing prosecution. in judicial custody.

“A special interpreter is awaited for recording her statement under Section 164 CrPC (as she is specially qualified to do so). Prayers have already been made for a special interpreter,” said Pranay Rai, public prosecutor.

NGOs have urged police to investigate whether the suspect, who is a special education teacher, has also committed such heinous crimes against other specially-abled children. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has called for a report from the Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling, on the issue by June 12.