The student’s ordeal began in October 2023, when her uncle and two others gang-raped her (Representational/ File Photo)
The issue came to public attention when the student sought guidance from a teacher at another school, who advised her to contact the child helpline
A distressing account emerges as a class 12 student from Rajasthan’s Ajmer was not permitted to sit for the board examinations, citing that she had been gang-raped last year. According to a report by NDTV, the student alleges that school authorities justified their decision by expressing concerns over the exam environment being “spoiled” by her presence. This revelation highlights the insensitivity and lack of support demonstrated by the school in addressing the student’s traumatic experience.
However, the private school in Ajmer offers a different explanation, stating that they withheld the student’s admit card due to her prolonged absence from classes, spanning four months.
The issue came to public attention when the student sought guidance from a teacher at another school, who advised her to contact the child helpline for assistance. According to NDTV, Anjali Sharma, chairperson of the CWC, spoke directly with the student to understand the full scope of the incident. While emphasising the ongoing investigation, Sharma highlights the immediate priority of ensuring that the student can take the exams she missed in March, ensuring justice is served. Subsequently, the Child Welfare Commission (CWC) in Ajmer intervened, initiating a case and pledging to take appropriate action following a thorough investigation.
The student’s ordeal began in October 2023, when her uncle and two others gang-raped her. The school at the time suggested that she study at home in response, citing worries about spoiling the classroom atmosphere. The student experienced another upsetting experience when she tried to get her admit card for the exams from her school, but instead found that her enrollment had been cancelled. She later discovered that the school had denied her entry right away following the rape because other students’ parents had expressed disapproval of her presence.
Meanwhile, on March 27, police arrested a lecturer at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh in Kangra for allegedly raping a student. Rajender Kumar, a 44-year-old chemistry professor, allegedly requested the student for sexual favours to alter her research topic. Kumar has been arrested after a FIR was filed against him under section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code, according to police.
