Tsirang police, after completing the initial investigations, forwarded the alleged case of child molestation by an Officiating Principal of one of the schools in Tsirang to the Office of the Attorney General today.
The 54-year-old accused was arrested last month following allegations of ‘bad touch’ by a group of girls from second and third grades. He was granted bail by the Tsirang District Court on 2nd December.
The arrest sparked allegations, claims and conspiracy theories on social media. Anonymous Facebook users allege collusion between the police and some teachers to overthrow the Officiating Principal. However, the police in its official Facebook page clarified that the case was forwarded by the Dzongkhag to the police and not from an informal channelled complaint. The statement also states the allegation of a personal relationship between a contract teacher and the Officer Commanding of Tsirang police is baseless and untrue.
The post claims that the investigations on the day of arrest were jointly done by Police, National Commission for Women and Children representative, parents and teachers since the victims were all minors. It also states that the recorded confession of the suspect will be submitted to the court and the case is being handled judiciously following the due process of law.
Meanwhile, the accused while talking to BBS after he was released on bail on Monday, said his conscience is clear since he pinched the backsides and thighs of the students to just punish them when they didn’t perform well. He said his intentions were to groom and nurture the students from their tender age, who are of the same age as his granddaughters.
Namgay Wangchuk
