UDUPI (INDIA)
Mangalore Today News Network [Karkala, Karnataka, India]
April 8, 2024
The headmaster of Barebailu Government Higher Primary School in Bola village of Karkala taluk was arrested on April 6 on the charges of sexually harassing as many as 14 minor girl students.
The accused is Rajendra Acharya (58) from Bola Vanjarakatte. He is also the Chief Priest of Piliyooru Ichodi Mahalingeshwara Temple.
The accused sexually abused the girls between June 5, 2023 and April 3, 2024. He had even harassed the elder sister of one of the students by sending obscene photos.
Following complaints from locals, the officials of the Women and Child Welfare Department visited the school and upon receiving the complaint he was arrested by the Karkala Rural police under POCSO. He has been produced before the POCSO Court.