MARGAO: It has come to light that prior to the shocking molestation incident reported in a government high school in Salcete eight other parents had filed complaints with the school management against the physical education (PE) teacher Ramesh Gaonkar, a resident of Paddi. On Thursday, tension rent the air, as the parents marched to government high school demanding that the services of the teacher be terminated.
In yet another startling revelation it has also come to light that the accused teacher has been involved in molestation cases in the past during his postings in other schools, but the Education Department failed to initiate strict action against him till the school headmistress filed a complaint with the Cuncolim Police.
On receiving the news, several parents and villagers on Thursday gathered at the government high school and expressed concern over their children’s safety in the school.
Mamlatdar Prataprao Gaonkar, besides Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, local panch Jennifer Fernandes, besides Bailancho Ekvott president Auda Viegas, panchayat and police officials also rushed to the site.
Later, at a meeting held in the school premises, it was revealed that nearly eight other parents had filed written complaints with the school management in the past, which were later forwarded to the Education Department for further action.
Parents and villagers sought to know the case status.
Speaking to media persons, local panch Jennifer Fernandes said that the school management has informed them that few other parents too had filed complaints against the accused teacher pertaining to sexual assault on their children.
“We don’t want to spoil the future of our children studying in the school and our demand is to terminate the services of the accused,” she demanded.
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa said that the accused teacher is not fit to be in the educational field.
“Such incidents should not be repeated. We will stand behind the victims’ parents till they get justice,” he stated.
Mamlatdar Prataprao Gaonkar informed that he has requested the parents and villagers not to take law into their hands.
“Villagers have demanded that the services of the accused be terminated. I have instructed the police to make a strong case against the teacher to ensure justice is given to the victim,” he said.
The villagers expressed shock after receiving information that more parents coming out and disclosing the incidents of alleged sexual assault on their children by the accused teacher.
At last, PE teacher Gaonkar suspended for molesting minor in Salcete school
