Two Teachers, School Driver Arrested Over Alleged Sexual Misconduct Against Female Students in Morang

Kathmandu-Police have arrested two teachers and a school driver from Sukuna Secondary School in Sundarharaicha Municipality-10, Morang, on allegations of sexually harassing female students both on school premises and through social media.

Those arrested have been identified as 30-year-old teacher Kishorlal Gachhadar of Sundarharaicha-2, 35-year-old teacher Abiral Maske of Sundarharaicha-12, and 40-year-old school driver Pradeep Bhattarai of Sundarharaicha-10.

According to Morang Police spokesperson DSP Makendra Kumar Mishra, the arrests were made on Monday morning after complaints surfaced alleging inappropriate conduct toward female students.

Preliminary police findings indicate that one of the teachers allegedly contacted female students through Facebook Messenger, asking to meet them and making inappropriate requests involving their bodies. Investigators also said some of the accused allegedly promised students they would help them pass examinations while engaging in inappropriate behavior.

Police said the students had been preparing to stage a protest over the alleged harassment before officers intervened and took the three suspects into custody.

The incident is being investigated under Nepal’s National Penal Code, 2017, which criminalizes sexual harassment. Section 224 of the Code defines sexual harassment to include making unwanted sexual advances, engaging in sexually suggestive behavior, or requesting sexual favors without consent. The offense is punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to NPR 30,000, or both, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.

If the investigation finds that any form of electronic communication was used to intimidate, harass, or exploit the victims, authorities may also invoke relevant provisions of the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008, where applicable.

Police said the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed if further evidence or other victims come forward. Authorities also stated that anyone else found to have been involved will face legal action in accordance with the law.

Police have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or making speculative comments on social media, emphasizing that the case remains under investigation.