Team Herald
PANJIM: The Education Department on Thursday suspended the Sanguem teacher who is accused of molesting a student during a school picnic earlier this month. The accused is also being investigated by Sanguem police.
Education Director G P Bhat ordered the teacher’s suspension soon after conducting a hearing wherein he was prima facie found guilty.
“He was given an opportunity to defend himself. We also examined the reports of the assistant district education inspector (ADEI) and the headmaster of the school. A prima facie case is made out against him,” an official said.
The teacher, brother of a police inspector, was issued a notice on Monday asking him to remain present before the Education Director for the hearing.
The 17-year-old student of a Rivona school had confided in her parents soon after the incident, who thereafter complained to the management. Sources said the management had then approached the department seeking permission to suspend him.
The suspension came just as the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee announced that a letter was sent to the State Women’s Commission and Education Department demanding action against the teacher.
The GPCC stated the departments should have initiated action immediately. “We have been desolate by the whole issue and will take serious action ,” party general secretary Sunil Kawthankar said.
Soon after the incident came to the fore Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar had directed the Education Department to suspend the teacher. This was followed by the notice to the teacher seeking an explanation on why he should not be suspended.
