The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday dismissed a Physics teacher, Rakesh Kumar, from service over allegations of molesting girl students. Officials cited serious misconduct and violation of the POCSO Act as the reason for his dismissal.
Rakesh Kumar was serving at the Government Senior Secondary School in Solan district. Earlier, during his posting in Paonta Sahib (Sirmaur district), he was accused of misbehaving with girl students. An FIR was registered against him on May 9, 2023, under IPC Section 354A (sexual harassment) and Section 11 of the POCSO Act.
Following the complaint, a departmental inquiry was launched on September 6, 2023. The inquiry was led by Vaibhav Kumar Shukla, Principal of Government Degree College, Paonta Sahib.
Kumar had approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court asking to cancel the charge sheet or or a stay on the departmental proceedings until the conclusion of the criminal trial. The court dismissed his plea, saying there was no valid reason to stay the inquiry.
In his report, the inquiry officer mentioned that the documents submitted by Kumar to defend himself were doubtful and failed to disprove the charges. The report also noted that Kumar was in judicial custody from May 9 to June 3, 2023, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.
"Taking into account the gravity of the misconduct, the nature of allegations involving moral turpitude, and the imperative need to ensure student safety, I am of the considered opinion that Rakesh Kumar is not fit to be retained in government service," the inquiry officer concluded.
Based on the findings, the Education Department decided to impose a ‘major penalty’ and dismiss Kumar from service with immediate effect.
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