MP: Jhabua SDM Arrested on Charge of Sexual Harassment of Tribal Girls

A sub-magistrate in Madhya Pradesh state’s Jappua district was arrested on Tuesday on charges of sexually harassing underage clan girls at a government-run hostel, officials said.

The incident happened on Sunday when SDM Sunil Kumar Jha went to check the tribal girls’ hostel, based on a complaint lodged against him.

After the complaint, officials said, he was suspended.

Superintendent of Police Agam Jain, citing the hostel manager’s complaint, said the accused had allegedly committed obscene acts with underage students during the search.

On the complaint, Jha was arrested and a case was registered against him under Indian Penal Code Section 354 (assault or criminal force of a woman with intent to offend her modesty), 354a (sexual molestation), and related provisions for the protection of children. From the Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO) and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Jain said.

According to the FIR, the accused allegedly touched and kissed the girls, who ranged in age from 11 to 13, who were staying at the hostel and asked questions about their menstrual cycle.

On the basis of a report submitted by the Jabwa District Collector, the Indore District Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sharma suspended Jha, a deputy officer with the rank of Collector, under the Government MP’s Civil Service (Service Conduct) Rules 1965, citing negligence and gross negligence in the performance of official duties.

Meanwhile, Additional Public Prosecutor Suraj Biraji said that after the arrest, Jha appeared before the POCSO Court of Special Judge RK Sharma who returned the two defendants in judicial custody.

The public prosecutor said Jha’s bail request would be heard on Wednesday.

(This story was not edited by the News18 staff and was published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)