Congress leader booked under POCSO after Narayankhed hostel inmates allege sexual harassment

Congress leader Rajesh Chouhan, his mother Sarada, and two hostel staff have been booked under POCSO following sexual harassment allegations by girl students in Narayankhed. The incident sparked widespread protests, with police and district officials launching a probe.

Sangareddy: Narayankhed police have booked Congress leader and former municipal councillor Rajesh Chouhan (28) under the POCSO Act following serious allegations of sexual harassment levelled by inmates of the BC Residential Hostel for Girls and Women in Narayankhed.

Cases were registered not only against Rajesh but also against his mother Sarada, who was in charge of the hostel’s welfare, and two outsourcing employees — Lakshmi and Shantabai.

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Unable to bear the harassment, over 30 students pursuing Polytechnic and Degree courses in local colleges staged a protest on the hostel premises late Monday night, braving heavy rain. The students later marched to the local police station, demanding action.

Responding swiftly, Sub-Inspector Vidyacharan Reddy visited the hostel and interacted with the inmates and their parents. The students said Rajesh frequently visited the premises under the pretext of meeting his mother but behaved inappropriately with them, touching them despite their protests. They also alleged that the two outsourcing workers colluded with Rajesh and Sarada.

Based on a complaint filed by a minor student and Deputy Hostel Welfare Officer Bhagyalakshmi, police booked cases against Rajesh, Sarada, Lakshmi and Shantabai under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and IPC.

District Welfare Officer Jagadish, who conducted an inquiry on Tuesday, said Sarada had been immediately transferred and both outsourcing employees were removed from duty with immediate effect. He said a detailed probe was underway.

Police are expected to arrest Rajesh, his mother, and the two employees once preliminary inquiry formalities are complete.

Former BRS MLA M Bhupal Reddy demanded that the government arrest the accused without delay and take strict action. He also urged the permanent removal of Sarada from all welfare duties, holding her responsible for the incident.

Meanwhile, students affiliated with ABVP, AISF and SFI extended support to the protesting students, demanding stringent action against all the accused.