Palghar Crime: DIET Staffer Booked Under POCSO For Alleged Molestation Of Minor; Case Sparks Safety Concerns
· Free Press Journal
Palghar, Maharashtra, April 1: A wave of outrage has swept through the Palghar District Council’s Education Department after a staff member at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) was booked for allegedly molesting a minor girl. The Palghar Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, following a chaotic confrontation at the government office.
The incident
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According to police reports, the victim, a minor girl from Nalasopara, first visited the DIET office on March 28 to seek information regarding education and scholarships. At that time, the accused staff member reportedly provided her with his contact number and instructed her to return four days later.
The situation escalated on April 1, when the girl returned to the office accompanied by her sister. In her official statement to the police, the girl alleged that while providing information, the staff member made inappropriate physical contact.
“The victim resisted the advances and raised an alarm. In an act of self-defence as the situation turned tense, the girl reportedly slapped the employee," a police official stated.
The commotion drew the attention of other female staff members in the office. A physical scuffle allegedly ensued during the intervention, with reports suggesting that an office remote was also thrown during the heat of the moment.
Legal action and cross-complaints
The Palghar Police have confirmed that cross-complaints have been filed by both parties involved. However, acting on the minor's testimony, the police have officially booked the staff member under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 8 and 12 of the POCSO Act.
The investigation is currently being spearheaded by Police Sub-Inspector Prajakta Patil.
Administrative response
The incident has raised serious questions regarding the safety of women and students within government premises, especially coming on the heels of a similar reported case in Nashik.
Manoj Ranade, Chief Executive Officer of the Palghar Zilla Parishad, addressed the allegations but noted the employee's prior record. “The concerned employee generally maintains good conduct. However, in light of these allegations, an inquiry will be conducted via the office's Vishakha Committee. If found guilty by either the committee or the police investigation, strict action will be taken."
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The recurring nature of such incidents in administrative hubs has put the local government under pressure. Citizens and activists are now demanding more robust security measures and stricter monitoring of staff interactions with the public to ensure that government offices remain safe spaces for students and women.
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