Dindori school teacher sends ‘I love you’ message to student:Asked her to meet alone, threatened her with low marks; case registered under POCSO Act

A primary school teacher in Dindori district has been accused of inappropriate behaviour towards female students. The students presented WhatsApp messages as evidence at the police station. Following the complaint, the teacher has been suspended and a formal case registered under the POCSO Act. Complaint filed by students On Monday, students of Sandipani School in Amarpur, along with the Deputy Sarpanch and a female teacher, went to the SP office. They submitted evidence, including objectionable WhatsApp messages sent by their teacher, Prashant Sahu. One student said the teacher sent her “I Love You” messages and threatened to give low marks in English and Chemistry if they did not comply. Pressure to meet alone The students said Prashant Sahu repeatedly pressured them to meet him alone. Despite refusing, he continued sending inappropriate messages on their mobiles. The students discovered he had sent similar messages to several other female students. Forced night meetings On the night of 21 November, the teacher allegedly forced one student to meet him outside her home at 10 PM. He threatened to call or create a ruckus if she did not comply. The following day, the student informed a school teacher and the principal. FIR registered City Kotwali Police registered an FIR against Prashant Sahu under sections 78, 79 of BNS and sections 11, 12 of the POCSO Act. Station In-charge Durga Prasad Nagpure confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Teacher suspended and transferred Following the complaint, the SP referred the matter to the Tribal Affairs Department. Assistant Commissioner Rajendra Kumar Jatav suspended Prashant Sahu immediately and attached him to the Karanjia Block Office. A principal has been appointed to conduct an independent investigation. Background Prashant Sahu was appointed as a teacher in Dindori district in 2023. The students’ complaint highlights serious misconduct and misuse of authority, which the police and education department are investigating.