A government school teacher in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing 24 girl students, police sources confirmed on Monday.

The incident came to light after students from Classes VIII to X lodged a written complaint with the school principal on Friday, accusing the teacher of inappropriate physical contact. The matter was promptly reported to the local police and forwarded to the school’s anti-sexual harassment committee.

A meeting with the students’ parents was held on Saturday, where it emerged that most were unaware of the alleged abuse their children had faced.

The accused has been arrested and a case registered under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh: Teacher accused of showing pornography to student