Head teacher accused of molestation, school vandalised

Allegations of inappropriate behaviour with a student have been raised against the head teacher of a private school in Badalgachhi, Naogaon. After the allegations spread, locals gathered at the school and vandalised and set fire to the premises.

The incident occurred at Alpha Kindergarten School in the Bhandarpur area of the upazila on Tuesday, August 4. Later, fire service and police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

According to locals, school activities began around 8am on Monday, August 3. Due to rain, student attendance was relatively low that day. Taking advantage of the situation, the head teacher, Shafiul Alam Dipu, allegedly found a female student alone and behaved inappropriately with her by hugging her.

According to the complaint, the student understood what was happening, pushed the teacher away and left. She later went home and told her family members about the incident. After the news spread, the accused teacher went into hiding, locals claimed.

On Tuesday morning, around 11am, parents and locals gathered at the school premises. At one point, the agitated crowd vandalised several tin-shed rooms and set them on fire.

Locals, students and parents also held a human chain and protest in the Bhandarpur Bazaar area over the incident.

The victim's father said they were shocked after hearing about the incident from his daughter. He expressed concern over the safety of girls at the school, given that such allegations have been raised against a teacher.

Kolagram Union Parishad Chairman Shahinur Islam Swapan claimed the accused teacher is the founder of the school and that there had been previous allegations against him involving women. He demanded the cancellation of the school's registration and strict action against the accused.

Attempts were made to contact head teacher Shafiul Alam Dipu by phone, but his phone was found switched off.

Badalgachhi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Ruhul Amin said family members of the victim have come to the police station. Legal action will be taken upon receiving a written complaint. The situation is currently under control.

After visiting the scene, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Israt Jahan said the law enforcement agencies are looking into the allegations. If proper evidence is found, action will be taken against the accused following an investigation.