Kaushambi, UP, June 12: In a disturbing incident from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district, Devendra Kumar Mishra, a school principal, was arrested following the viral spread of an obscene video involving a minor girl. The video, which surfaced three days ago, allegedly shows Mishra engaging in inappropriate conduct with the student. The girl, from a poor family in the village, attempted suicide by jumping in front of a train shortly after the video’s circulation. She is currently hospitalized and is said to be in stable condition.
The victim’s mother filed a police complaint, leading to Mishra’s arrest under multiple sections of the IPC, POCSO Act, and IT Act. Rajju Singh, accused of circulating the video, was also charged and arrested.
According to locals, Mishra claimed connections with the RSS, though RSS district officer Shrikrishna Pandey denied any affiliation, clarifying that the school is operated by the Jan Shiksha Samiti, not RSS.
The incident began when the girl’s family discovered the video on June 6, leading the victim to attempt suicide out of shame and frustration over Mishra’s delayed arrest. The family reported that the assault occurred in late April when Mishra entered their home and molested the girl, with Singh recording the act and later distributing the video.
Despite Mishra’s arrest, there are concerns about the police’s handling of the case, as images of Mishra smiling while in custody circulated on social media. Mishra’s alleged past incidents of harassment went unreported, raising questions about local law enforcement’s efficacy.
The case has sparked outrage, with local leaders and community members condemning the abuse of power and calling for justice. Meanwhile, police assure thorough investigations and appropriate actions.
Background and Community Reactions
The girl’s family lives in a modest home provided under the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme. Her sister recounted how Mishra, a frequent visitor to their home, exploited the family’s economic vulnerability. The local councilor, Ghanshyam Pasi, emphasized the exploitation based on the family’s poverty and caste.
Mishra’s self-proclaimed political connections added to the family’s distress. He allegedly threatened them, offering money to suppress the case and boasting about his influence. This was compounded by the family’s lack of awareness about the assault until the video surfaced.
Broader Context
The incident highlights ongoing issues in Uttar Pradesh, which leads the nation in crimes against Dalits and women, according to the 2022 National Crime Records Bureau report. The state recorded over 15,000 crimes against Dalits and nearly 66,000 crimes against women in 2022.
Support for Victims
Mental health support is crucial for victims of such trauma. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provides a helpline at 1800-599-0019, and other resources are available through institutes like NIMHANS and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences.
