Outrage in Bhopal: Teacher Arrested for Raping 3-Year-Old Student, People Demand Death Penalty

Bhopal- A shocking incident of child abuse has surfaced in a private school in Bhopal, where 35-year-old teacher Qasim Rehan allegedly raped a three-year-seven-month-old girl in the school washroom on September 13. The victim, who affectionately called the accused 'daddy uncle,' suffered severe injuries, which were discovered by her constable mother the same night, prompting a complaint at Kamla Nagar police station. The accused was arrested and jailed on September 16.

Hindu organizations and ABVP workers protested fiercely outside the school on Thursday, demanding Qasim Rehan's execution and the school's deregistration.

The administration responded by sealing the school and forming a probe committee. Upon the Chief Minister's notice, the Commissioner formed a 4-member SIT to investigate the incident.

The administration has formed an investigation committee headed by SDM Archana Sharma. A 5-member team, including the District Education Officer and Women and Child Development Officer, will investigate. SDM Sharma assured that all aspects will be examined, and further action will be taken based on the findings.

However, the investigation faces challenges due to the lack of CCTV cameras in the corridor leading from the classroom to the bathroom, raising concerns about the school's accountability and supervision.

Protesting organizations demand that the school's recognition be revoked, vowing to continue their agitation until then. After the uproar, SDM Archana Sharma met with protesters. Chandrashekhar Tiwari, president of Sanskriti Bachao Manch, said they burned an effigy of accused teacher Qasim Rehan. Various organizations, including ABVP and Karni Sena, joined the protest. Tiwari stated, "This isn't the first rape case in Bhopal. We demand the death penalty for the accused to prevent such crimes."

Accused teacher Qasim Rehan, 35, resides in Bhopal with his family. He has been teaching at the school for nearly two years. Sources suggest he recently divorced. The school principal stated that there are 150 students from nursery to 8th grade while 23 teachers are employed here.

Children's care is prioritized, with a teacher and nanny always present in classrooms and another nanny near the washroom to escort children. Despite these arrangements, the incident is alarming. The principal added that the girl's uncle usually dropped her off and picked her up.

According to NCRB's report, 2022 saw:

- 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women (4% increase from 2021's 4,28,278)

- 1,62,449 cases of crimes against children (8.7% increase from 2021's 1,49,404)

Madhya Pradesh also witnessed a rise in child-related crimes. In Bhopal, 758 cases were reported in 2022.