Sexual harassment, salary cuts in govt-aided Urdu schools: Minority panel chief Khan orders probe

Akola: The Akola police moved swiftly to book a school administrator under sections 74, 75, 308(2), and 351(2) of the Indian Penal Code, after some teachers alleged sexual and physical assault, besides illegal salary deductions.
The allegations came to fore during a visit by Maharashtra State Minority Commission chairman Pyare Khan to government-funded Urdu schools in Akola district on Tuesday. Female teachers from Alhaj Salim Zakaria Urdu Senior Primary School in Patur lodged complaints against the school management, alleging physical assault, sexual harassment, mental torture, and salary deductions.
Taking immediate action, Pyare Khan directed Akola police to file an FIR against those involved. He has also announced a statewide crackdown on corruption and exploitation in Urdu schools.
During Khan's visit, female teachers; Naz Bano, Shaheda Bano, and Shamim Akhtar of the Alhaj Salim Zakaria Urdu Senior Primary School, Patur, accused the school administrator Syed Kamruddin of serious misconduct. They alleged the management forcibly takes 50% of teachers' salaries. Teachers and staff allegedly also face assault and threats, with female teachers subjected to obscene remarks and mental harassment.
The teachers finally gathered the courage to approach the minority commission with their complaints. A teacher, Shamim Akhtar, said, "This has been happening for a long time, but now we demand justice."
Taking the allegations seriously, Pyare Khan ordered the Akola police to file an FIR against Syed Kamruddin. He also said that many government-funded Urdu schools across Maharashtra are involved in massive corruption, which will be thoroughly investigated.
"The govt is being defrauded of thousands of crores through Urdu schools. This entire scam will be exposed, and strict action will be taken," said Pyare Khan.
School administrator Syed Kamruddin, however, denied all the allegations, claiming that he is being targeted for political reasons. "False allegations are being made against my schools. This is a political conspiracy," he said.