Tripura police have launched an investigation after a complaint was registered at a police station regarding attempts to molest girl students during an educational excursion. The State government has suspended three female teachers from their positions for their alleged dereliction of duty in view of the sensational incident.
The students of Champaknagar Government Higher Secondary School, located 12 k.m. east of here, reported that the drunk driver and conductor of the rented bus made attempts to molest them while on their way back to school after visiting the State museum and Science City in Agartala. Hundreds of parents and locals staged noisy protests outside the police station in Champaknagar demanding action against the “erring” transport workers and teachers who were negligent in their responsibilities.
The protests were withdrawn after senior district administration officials assured them that action would be taken. Reports said the three teachers who accompanied the students got off the bus at Ranir Bazar much earlier than the scheduled arrival at the school.
This gave the bus driver and conductor the opportunity to molest the students who were in Classes 6, 7, and 8.
A State government official stated on Saturday (February 1, 2025) that Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who holds the Home and Education portfolios, has issued directives for a thorough investigation into the incident. The education department has already suspended the three female teachers from the school pending an inquiry.
Police said attempts are on to capture the FIR named bus driver and conductor. Police have added provisions of the POCSO Act in the complaint.
Meanwhile, Opposition parties have expressed serious concern over the incident and have described it as an indicator of “total lawlessness” in the State.
