Ranchi teacher on the run after obscene chats with 15 students, probe ordered

Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi, is witnessing huge public outrage after a city school teacher was accused of forcing female students into obscene online conversations and attempting to lure them into hotel meetings.

The incident has been reported from Shraddhanand Bal Vidyalaya, where several students have spoken up against their teacher, identified as Abhishek Kumar Sinha. A three-member committee has been set up to probe the allegations.

According to the allegations levelled by the students, the teacher would engage them in objectionable chats over video calls, pressuring them to strip and discussing meeting them in hotels.

More than 15 students have allegedly been affected, while one of them has reportedly stopped attending school altogether after being taken to a hotel.

The matter drew attention after complaints were flagged on social media, tagging the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Chief Minister, and Education Secretary.

"A probe committee has been formed under the leadership of top officials. An action has also been initiated on the complaint," Ranchi Deputy Commissioner, Manjunath Bhajantri, told India Today TV.

Following the senior cop's directive, District Education Superintendent (DSE) Badal Raj visited the school, met the principal, and spoke to teachers and students.

After analysing the situation, he issued instructions that no teacher be allowed a leave until the investigation is completed.

The three-member committee constituted to investigate the case includes Block Education Extension Officer of Ormanjhi Seema Kumari, Headmaster-cum-Withdrawal and Expenditure Officer of High School Bodeya Rajesh Kumar, and Rakesh Mishra, who is the Headmaster-cum-Withdrawal and Expenditure Officer of High School Bijulia, Ratu.

The officers have been directed to submit their report within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, the accused teacher has not reported to the school and his mobile phone remains switched off, officials said.

DSE Badal Raj confirmed that the principal had been instructed to issue a notice to him to cooperate with the investigation. "If the allegations are found to be true, the accused teacher will not be spared under any circumstances," he said.

The school administration has been directed not to assign any classes to the accused until the inquiry is complete.

Authorities said further legal action would follow if the charges against the teacher are proved.

The DSE has also held sessions with children, creating awareness about good touch, bad touch, protection from sexual abuse and safe use of the internet.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.

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