"Slap Stronger Sections On Him": Child Panel Ex-Member's Letter to Rajasthan DGP in Udaipur School Rape Case

Udaipur- The city of Udaipur is in a state of shock following a horrific incident in which a gym trainer allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl inside a school in the Fatehpura area. The accused, identified as Pradeep Singh Jhala, is currently absconding after the crime

In the wake of this brutal crime, child rights expert and former member of the Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Dr. Shailendra Pandya, has written a urgent letter to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Rajasthan Police.

According to the police report, the incident occurred on a Monday when the school was officially closed. Unaware of the holiday, the victim went to the school premises. It is alleged that Pradeep Singh Jhala, who worked as a gym trainer at the school, found the girl alone, grabbed her, and then raped her inside the building.

Traumatized by the assault, the girl returned home and recounted the ordeal to her family. The family immediately took her to the police station to file a formal complaint. Based on their statement, the police registered an FIR against the absconding accused, Pradeep Singh Jhala, and launched a search operation to apprehend him.

Need to Add Other Important Sections in FIR, Says Dr. Pandya

In this serious case, after discussions with family members, the Child Welfare Committee, and concerned officials, it was learned that Sections 64(1) and 62 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Sections 4 and 5 of the POCSO Act, which are used in cases of penetrative sexual assault, have been applied. However, after reviewing the case details, child rights expert Dr. Shailendra Pandya, has written a letter to the Director General of Police (DGP), Rajasthan Police, demanding that the case be registered under Sections 5(F), 6, 9, 10, 11, and 13 of the POCSO Act along with Section 67(B) of the IT Act.

Dr. Pandya believes that while this incident might be shocking for the residents of Udaipur, such inhuman incidents are happening frequently across the state – from the rape of a 5-year-old girl to instances where homes, families, neighbors, schools, or coaching institutions are proving to be unsafe for children. In such a situation, while the police and administration are working diligently with vigilance, every common citizen must also be alert. There are some crucial points for parents to keep in mind, by following which they can secure a childhood:

1. Maintain communication with children – Every day before bed, calmly listen to your child's activities throughout the day. Assure them that they can share anything with you without fear of scolding.

2. Pay attention to changes in behavior – Do not ignore signs like talking less, staying alone, irritability, crying, sudden fear, or changes in eating habits.

3. Be vigilant about physical signs – Scratches, injuries on the body, pain, swelling, itching in private parts, frequent trouble urinating, etc., can be serious indicators.

4. Teach "Good Touch" and "Bad Touch" – Give children correct information about safe and unsafe touch so they can recognize it in time.

5. Ask lovingly if suspicious – Do not pressure the child, listen patiently. In serious situations, immediately contact 1098 (Childline) or the police.

The provisions of the POCSO Act are strict – under this law, not only rape but all types of molestation and harassment face strict action. The identity of the child is kept completely confidential, and reporting is mandatory. If anyone has information about a crime against a child and does not report it, there is a provision for punishment against them as well.