Dehradun Boarding School: Boy in Dehradun Boarding School “sexually harassed”, no report filed in Assam

Dehradun: A Boy A class 8 student of a boarding school in Dehradun was allegedly beaten and sexually harassed by his senior students in May. The incident came to light after the boy's father, a retired police officer in Assam, visited him a few weeks ago and lodged a complaint. Zero FIR in Assam in August, and the case was transferred to Dehradun about a week ago following which charges were filed under IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso).
A senior police officer privy to the case told TOI on Thursday that the boy was “beaten with belts and sexual harassment in a sedition incident in May.”
He added: “His father came to know about the incident during a school visit when he noticed that the boy was disturbed and did not want to talk much. The boy confided in his father, who then contacted the school management and also sent an email requesting action. He then took his son home and lodged a complaint there, which resulted in no charges being filed.”
With a Zero FIR, an FIR can be registered at any police station, especially in cases of sexual crimes, regardless of the scene of the crime or the jurisdiction of the police station.
Ashish Bhardwaj, the circle officer investigating the case, confirmed that the FIR was received about a week ago and said, “As per law, a case has been registered under relevant sections of the IPC and the Pocso Act. After scrutinising the file, an investigation has been initiated and further action will be taken in the further course of events.”
Meanwhile, a school official said in response to a query that an “internal investigation into the allegations made by the boy's father had revealed nothing of substance.” “When we learned that no complaint had been filed, our representatives informed the local police. We will fully cooperate with the investigation.”