Shivamogga: A disturbing incident has emerged from a government residential school in Tirthahalli, where a music teacher has been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly misbehaving with female students. The accused, Mohammed Imtiaz (45), has been taken into custody following a swift police operation.
The case came to light after several female students lodged a formal complaint with the school’s principal, accusing Imtiaz of inappropriate behaviour both within the school premises and during a school trip. The students detailed instances of misconduct, prompting the principal to immediately report the matter to the police.
Following the complaint, an FIR was registered at the Tirthahalli police station, and law enforcement agencies quickly moved to apprehend the accused. It has been reported that Imtiaz, who has been employed at the Murarji Residential School for the past 12 years, was arrested in Bengaluru late Tuesday night.
District Superintendent of Police (SP) Mithun Kumar provided insights into the arrest during a press briefing at the Tirthahalli police station. He confirmed that the music teacher had been apprehended near Nelamangala in a rapid police operation, describing the arrest as “cinematic” due to the quick and decisive actions of the officers involved.
“We received information about the incident on Tuesday afternoon, and our personnel were immediately deployed to track the accused. Despite his attempts to flee, we managed to capture him that same night, thanks to the diligent work of our team and the cooperation of DySP Gajanana Sutar and Police Inspector Aswath Gowda,” SP Mithun Kumar said.
The operation team, which included PSI Shivanagowda, HC Lingana Gowda, and Constable Veerendra, was lauded for their effective coordination and execution. SP Mithun Kumar also assured the public that the investigation would proceed without yielding to any external pressures, emphasizing that the law would take its course.
In a detailed account of the arrest, it was revealed that the police tracked Imtiaz’s movements using CCTV footage. After receiving a tip-off, the police discovered that the accused had fled to Bengaluru via Chikkamagaluru. CCTV footage from the Chikkamagaluru bus station, which captured Imtiaz wearing a distinct shirt, played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending him.
The incident has shocked the local community, with many expressing outrage over the alleged misconduct. Former home minister and MLA Araga Jnanendra, who was present during the police briefing, condemned the actions of the accused, stating that such incidents tarnish the dignity of the taluk.
“This heinous act is disgraceful and brings shame to our community. It is commendable that the police acted swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating, as we have seen in previous cases. The accused must face severe punishment for his actions,” MLA Jnanendra asserted.
He also called for stringent measures to be implemented in schools to protect students from such predatory behavior, emphasizing the need for vigilance and accountability among school staff.
The arrest of Imtiaz has sparked a broader conversation about the safety of students in educational institutions, particularly in residential schools. Authorities have assured the public that justice will be served, and measures are being taken to support the victims and ensure their well-being. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case proceeds through the judicial system.
