Hill Voice, 27 September 2021, Khagrachhari: Hari Ranjan Dey, an assistant teacher at Singinala High School in Mahalchhari Upazila under Khagrachhari Hill District, has been accused of sexually harassing an indigenous Marma schoolgirl (16) of the same school.

The last time the girl reported the incident to her parents was on 23 September 2021. The accused teacher is Hari Ranjan Dey, an assistant teacher in the science department of Singinala High School.

According to the victim’s family, the victim is a SSC examinee of 2021 of Singinala High School. The accused teacher used to teach chemistry and biology to the student in a private room of the school. Hari Ranjan Dey used to sexually harass the girl by moving her hands in various sensitive places. The student did not disclose the matter to anyone out of fear and shame.

On 23 September 2021, when the girl went to the said teacher to revise her assignment, Hari Ranjan Dey found her alone inside the room, hugged her and touched her in various sensitive places. Later, the student somehow pushed the teacher Hari Ranjan Dey and narrowly escaped.

The student then reported the incident to her parents. On the advice of her parents, the student lodged a written complaint against the teacher Hari Ranjan to the headmaster.

The headmaster of the school, Mong Mong Marma, said that the victim had lodged a written complaint against her assistant teacher Hari Ranjan Dey. We have already called a meeting of the steering committee. Complaints will be verified and action will be taken as per rules. If necessary, the higher authorities will be informed, he said.

Meanwhile, students of Singinala High School have put up posters on the school campus demanding justice and immediate removal of Hari Ranjan Dey. On the other hand, it is learnt that a human chain will be organized tomorrow to demand exemplary punishment of Hari Ranjan Dey at the initiative of Kishori Club and Sapner Pathshala.

As of this writing, no action has been taken against the accused teacher.