'Hugging favourite student relieves stress': MP school principal accused of harassing Class 7 girl under guise of ‘depression relief’; booked under POCSO

Bhopal: A government school principal in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly trying to hug a Class 7 student under the pretext of relieving “depression” and threatening to kill her if she spoke about it.The incident took place on July 26 but came to light only after the girl, accompanied by her family, lodged a complaint on August 11.According to the complaint and local media reports, the principal came to her classroom on July 26, called her his “best student” and told her that “when a teacher is in depression, hugging his favourite student relieves stress.”Later that day, around 4 pm, when classes ended, the girl went to the school storeroom to deposit a sackcloth, accompanied by a friend.

The principal allegedly sent her friend outside, held her hand, and tried to hug her with ill intent. When she resisted, he allegedly threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident.The girl said she remained silent out of fear for over two weeks before informing her family. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and informed the district education department.“We took immediate action after receiving the complaint. The case is under investigation,” police said.