Pune: Dance Instructor Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of Two Students at School
An incident of sexual assault has shaken the Warje Malwadi and Karve Nagar areas of Pune, where a dance instructor from a reputed school has been accused of assaulting two students. The allegations have sparked outrage among parents, prompting demands for stricter child safety protocols in educational institutions.
The case came to light on December 17, 2024, when one of the victims informed their parents about the inappropriate behavior. The parents immediately confronted the school administration, which responded by suspending the accused and handing him over to the police.
The accused was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sambhaji Kadam confirmed that two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered for incidents involving students aged 10 and 11. The students, from classes 4 and 6, reported multiple instances of inappropriate behavior by the instructor.
Check what DCP Kadam said:
Parents have since mobilized on social media, organizing protests and calling for the school to remain closed on December 18 as a mark of solidarity and to press for enhanced safety measures.
In an earlier, unrelated case in Khadakwasla, Pune, a 68-year-old man was arrested for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl during a school awareness program. The incident highlighted the critical need for initiatives like “Good Touch, Bad Touch” and robust safety mechanisms in schools.
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for institutions to adopt stringent child protection policies and foster open communication channels for students to report abuse.
