Sikkim: Two school staff members arrested in child abuse allegations

In Sikkim, allegations of child abuse have led to the arrest of two staff members of the same school.

The first arrest occurred on Monday, April 7, 2025, when [Name Withheld], 23, a non-teaching staff member at a school and a resident of [Location Withheld], was taken into custody. This followed a written complaint filed by [Name Withheld], a resident of [Location Withheld]. The complaint detailed allegations from her 13-year-old niece, [Name Withheld], a resident of [Location Withheld].

According to the initial FIR (Case No. 13/2025), the young girl, who had been staying with her aunt, disclosed that [Name Withheld] had allegedly assaulted her on multiple occasions. She claimed that on Friday, April 4, 2025, he grabbed her from behind in a classroom, forcefully touched her breast, opened her tie and school shirt, and bit her. Furthermore, she alleged a pattern of inappropriate touching during proxy classes taken by [Name Withheld] and disturbing messages via Instagram requesting nude photos, accompanied by threats upon refusal.

The minor victim said that she had confided in a female teacher at the school, [Name Withheld], regarding these incidents. However, instead of offering support or reporting the matter, [Name Withheld] allegedly instructed the child to remain silent, even to her parents, and refused to inform the school principal.

A second FIR (Case No. 14/2025) was filed on the same day, April 7, 2025, leading to the arrest of [Name Withheld], 23, a computer teacher at [School 2] and a resident of [Location Withheld]. This complaint was lodged by [Name Withheld], a resident of [Location Withheld], concerning her 13-year-old niece, [Name Withheld], a 7th-grade student at [School 2] residing in [Location Withheld].

In this second case, the young girl, who was staying with her aunt at [Location Withheld], revealed that [Name Withheld] had also allegedly abused her on several occasions between March 10, 2025, and March 20, 2025. She claimed that [Name Withheld] had sexually assaulted her by placing his hands on her breast during courses held at [School 2]'s Digilab.

The minor victim in this second case also disclosed that she had sought help from the same female teacher, [Name Withheld]. Allegedly, instead of intervening or offering support, [Name Withheld] again instructed the child not to speak about the incident to anyone, including her parents.

Following both complaints, Rangpo Police Station registered the two separate cases under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. Investigations into both sets of allegations have commenced immediately.

In both instances, the young victims have undergone medical examinations, and their statements have been officially recorded. They have been handed over to the care of their respective legal guardians and are scheduled to be presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

Both accused individuals, [Name Withheld] and [Name Withheld], are currently in police custody.

The female teacher implicated in both cases, [Name Withheld], has been served with notices under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, directing her to appear before the Investigating Officers in connection with both investigations.

( Name and location withheld for security reason )