Title: Subdivisional Magistrate Arrested for Alleged Sexual Harassment of Minor Tribal Girls in MP District
In a shocking incident, a 56-year-old subdivisional magistrate (SDM) posted in Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh (MP) was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly sexually harassing minor tribal girls during a surprise inspection at a state-run girls’ hostel. The accused, identified as Sunil Kumar Jha, has been suspended from his duties and is currently in jail awaiting further investigation.
Based on a complaint filed by the principal of the government hostel, a case has been registered against SDM Jha under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, sexual harassment, and offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, as well as the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
According to the Superintendent of Police in Jhabua, Agam Jain, Jha is accused of committing obscene acts with three minor girls, aged 13 and 11, during the surprise inspection. The principal stated in her complaint that the SDM arrived at the hostel on Sunday at around 3:30 pm and instructed her to wait outside the rooms while he interacted with the girls.
Allegedly, Jha began by questioning the girls about their diet and whether they were receiving meals regularly. However, his behavior took an inappropriate turn when he sat on their beds, touched them inappropriately, and made them uncomfortable with intrusive questions about their menstrual cycles. He is also accused of hugging the girls and groping one of them.
Promptly after receiving the complaint, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation. The Indore divisional commissioner, Dr. Pawan Sharma, expressed his dismay over the incident and confirmed Jha’s suspension due to his obscene and inappropriate behavior with girl students during the hostel inspection. Sharma emphasized that such behavior demonstrated a clear violation of official duty.
Following due legal procedure, Sunil Kumar Jha was arrested around noon and has been remanded to judicial custody.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of girls residing in government hostels. Authorities are now taking steps to ensure the implementation of stricter guidelines for inspections to prevent such incidents in the future.
It is crucial to prioritize the protection of vulnerable sections of society, especially children. The arrest and suspension of the SDM serve as a reminder that those in positions of power must be held accountable for their actions, as the trust placed in them by the public, particularly parents and guardians, cannot be taken for granted.
The investigation into the allegations against SDM Jha will continue to unfold as authorities gather evidence and testimonies. The Madhya Pradesh government is expected to take necessary action to ensure justice is served in this distressing case.
As this incident sends shockwaves through the community, it is imperative that steps are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Stricter adherence to rules and regulations, improved training, and increased vigilance are crucial to ensuring the safety and security of the most vulnerable individuals in society.
We will continue to provide updates on this case as more information becomes available.
