Pune: In a disturbing incident in Nigdi, a physical education teacher previously convicted under the POCSO Act for molesting a minor has been re-arrested for sexually harassing another student in the same school. Despite his prior conviction, the teacher, Nivrutti Deoram Kalbhor, was rehired by the LEE Saphia Education Society (Christeria School).

The arrested individuals include Nivrutti Deoram Kalbhor (resident of Aundhuba Nivas, Sai Housing Society, Gurudwara, Chinchwad), Principal Ashok Jadhav of Kirti School, Rohidas Balbhim Jadhav, the president of LEE Saphia Education Society Trust, Avindra Ankush Nikam, Gorakh Sopan Jadhav, Hanumant Dada Nikam, and a female accused. Another accused, Laxman Namdev Hendre, is absconding. The father of the victim filed a complaint at Nigdi Police Station.

Just as the incident of a school peon sexually abusing two young girls in Badlapur was fresh in public memory, this shocking case has emerged in Nigdi. The physical education teacher was convicted six years ago under the POCSO Act for making lewd advances towards a schoolgirl.

In August 21, the victim reported that Kalbhor again behaved inappropriately with her as she was leaving the restroom. Distressed by the repeated harassment, she finally confided in her parents, who immediately approached the police. Kalbhor had previously been convicted in 2018 for molesting another minor girl at the same school.

Despite this, the school administration rehired him, leading to widespread criticism and the arrest of the school's principal, Ashok Jadhav, the trust's president, Rohidas Jadhav, and several others. The police are also searching for another accused, Laxman Namdev Hendre, who is currently absconding.