Pune School Director Arrested for Negligence in Student Safety

Karvenagar, Pune: In Pune's Karvenagar area, the director of a private English medium school has been arrested for failing to ensure student safety following allegations against a dance teacher.

Between November and December 14, a dance teacher was accused of showing inappropriate videos to students and threatening to share them. The allegations surfaced during a 'good touch, bad touch' counseling session, where two boys from classes IV and VI reported the incidents. The counselor informed school authorities and the parents.

The dance teacher was arrested on December 17 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code. Subsequently, school director Anvit Sudhir Phatak was arrested on December 19 for failing to report the abuse and ensure a safe environment. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sambhaji Kadam, emphasized the school's responsibility in maintaining student safety.

Investigations revealed that the school had not conducted necessary background checks on the dance teacher, allowing the alleged incidents to occur over the past two years. Parents have expressed outrage over the school's lack of child safety protocols, including the absence of "good touch, bad touch" counseling and inadequate verification of staff credentials. They have met with Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against the school administration.

This incident underscores the critical need for educational institutions to implement robust child safety measures and conduct thorough background checks on all staff members. The community's response highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding students' well-being.