Shams Irfan
SRINAGAR
The report of internal enquiry conducted into the alleged exploitation of two girl students by school authorities and a Radio / TV artist promising them scholarships, concluded that the “matter has been blown out of proportion by complainant by trying to make mountain out of a mole”.
The four page report accessed by the Kashmir Life concludes saying, “It is our considered opinion, that the case be closed as unfounded. However, it would be in the fitness of things to transfer Ms Rozy (Physical Education Teacher, Girls Higher Secondary School, Amira Kadal) to some male institution where she can better serve.”
The complainant has accused Ms Rozy of facilitation girls meeting with Rashid Barki on 9th of January, 2016, which she denied.
After the complaint was filed by Ms Jabeen, The Director School Education Kashmir had set up an internal enquiry headed by Principal S P Higher Secondary School, which included OSD (CEW) of DESK and Principal Girls Higher Secondary School Kothibagh. The committee recorded statements of the students, accused persons and the complainant on two different occasions i.e. 23rd and 27th January, 2016.
Both the girls and Ms Jabeen (who has filed complaint on behalf of them) were present during the enquiry and recorded their statements in presence of the enquiry officers appointed by the Director School Education, Kashmir.
Rashid Barki, who has been accused of taking the girls to a private house in New Theed for rehearsals/participation in a cultural event promising scholarships, told investigators that the said house belongs to one Arif Bhat – student of SP Higher Secondary School, Srinagar. “Being a resident of Nishat I cannot afford huge payment due for hiring SKICC/Tagore Hall and instead chose the residence of Arif for rehearsals,” Barki has submitted before enquiry committee.
In order to confirm the credentials of Barki’s statement, OSD (CEW) DESK Z A Banday, called Centre for Cultural Research and Training (CCRT) head office in New Delhi, and noted, “Rishi Vashist, Dy Director CCRT, often requesting for submission of devised formats from the talented students for this kind of scholarship”.
Meanwhile, divisional commissioner, Kashmir, handed over the case to police on Wednesday. On Thursday, police filed a FIR under section 419 and 170 of RPC into the case.
