With Pics and Inputs from R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EP)
Narendra Kerekadu

Two teachers and gram panchayat president Suresh Shetty also arrested for supporting the accused

Karkala, Jul 31: In yet another case of its kind, a female student of a high school in Hebri here has complained in the local police station against her school headmaster and two others, alleging them of sexually harassing her for the last six months.

The girl, in a complaint filed on Thursday July 31 through her parents, alleged that Venkataramana Kalkura, the headmaster, had been sexually harassing her for the past six months. Based on her complaint, the police have arrested Venkataramana, and also teachers Prabhavathi and Veena and gram panchayat president Suresh Shetty for allegedly supporting the accused.

Venkataramana Kalkura (left) and Suresh Shetty

Venkataramana was appointed headmaster of the high school at Hebri Shivapura last year. He was earlier employed in the government school at Kundapur and was transferred by the department of education to the high school in his hometown Shivapura, Hebri, following complaints of sexual abuse in Kundapur school. However, he reportedly continued his habits and is now facing police investigation.

The victim also alleged that she had complained about the headmaster to her teacher Prabhavati, but instead of taking action, she supported Venkataramana. The same was the case with another teacher, Veena. 

She then confided in her parents, who approached gram panchayat president Suresh Shetty urging action against the headmaster, but he too spoke in support of Venkataramana and tried to close the matter, said Karkala ASP Annamalai who has taken charge of the investigation. The parents then appealed to Udupi district SP Dr Boralingaiah, who directed ASP Annamalai to take necessary action in the matter.

Meanwhile, a few BJP workers and supporters gathered in front of the police station alleging that the panchayat president had been unnecessarily dragged into the case and demanded his release.

ASP Annamalai, taking serious note of the complaint soon after it was filed, went to the school and questioned the other teachers, students and parents. Speaking to media, he assured that stringent action would be taken against Venkataramana and the other accused in the case.

Following the incident, the Udupi district DDPI suspended Venkataramana Kalkura from service.

Further investigations are on.