Accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, laboratory assistant Mohan Anchan has finally been suspended by the Chembur school where he was employed. The decision comes after The Free Press Journal highlighted the school’s controversial move to reinstate him in January this year, despite serious allegations.
According to an official communication from the school, Anchan was suspended on March 13, based on a directive from Mushtaq Shaikh, Education Inspector of Mumbai (North Zone), ordering immediate suspension.
This development follows concerns over inaction regarding an FIR filed under the POCSO Act in September last year and the subsequent reinstatement of the accused into the school after suspending him initially. The complaint alleged that Mohan Anchan assaulted the victim, a Class X student, during a school excursion. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, no action was taken against Anchan for five months. As a result, he was able to secure anticipatory bail. Moreover, in a shocking turn of events, he was reinstated at the school, just three months after an FIR was filed against him. The victim repeatedly sought answers from the school principal regarding the reinstatement, but was reportedly discouraged from pursuing the matter any further.
After five months of investigation, the police have recently filed a chargesheet in court. However, concerns remain over the delayed action and the school’s controversial role in the matter.
Assistant Police Inspector, Shivaji Dhavale while talking to The Free Press Journal informed that the chargesheet does not include any charges against the school principal, stating that there was no legal basis to do so. However, Nitin Dalvi, president of the Mumbai Parents-Teachers Association, criticised the handling of the case. “The principal is equally responsible. She protected the accused by reinstating him at the school. Action should also be taken against the school management,” Dalvi asserted, citing the Badlapur sexual assault case, where the management, principal, and an employee were all booked under the POCSO Act.
Despite repeated attempts to seek clarification from law enforcement regarding why no case has been filed against the principal for reinstating an individual accused of sexually harassing a minor, the police have failed to provide concrete answers. The victim, along with child rights groups, continues to demand strict action against all those responsible for negligence and misconduct in the handling of the case.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) had previously intervened, issuing formal notices to Mushtaq Shaikh, Education Inspector, Somnath Gharge, Superintendent of Police (Raigad), and the school, demanding a detailed report within seven days regarding the alleged inaction in the case.
