College principal arrested for sexually assaulting minor in Karnataka

Shivamogga (IANS). Karnataka Police on Friday said the principal of a college in Shivamogga district has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a minor girl.

The incident took place in Kot police station limits and the victim’s family has lodged a complaint regarding the matter.

The accused has been booked under the POCSO Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

According to the police, the principal, who is also a priest, was well-liked by the students because of his teaching skills.

Taking advantage of this, he managed to trap the 17-year-old victim in his trap.

Police said the victim attempted suicide in her hostel room on Wednesday night.

His friends immediately informed the warden about the incident, following which he was taken to the hospital, where he narrated his ordeal.

Police is currently probing whether the accused was involved in sexual exploitation of more girl students.

Meanwhile, the incident has taken a political turn, with BJP workers protesting outside the District Commissioner’s office in Shivamogga on Friday.

The activists raised slogans against the accused and demanded strict action against him and also submitted a memorandum in this regard.

Members of the Banjara community, to which the victim belonged, have also protested against the incident and demanded death penalty against the accused.