A 15-year-old Muslim girl in Ghaziabad, who was recently a victim of rape, has been struck off her school’s exam list. The incident has sparked outrage after the school principal allegedly suggested the girl should get married instead of continuing her education.
The victim’s father said, “My daughter, a 9th-grade student, was blackmailed and raped multiple times by a neighbour. She was too scared to attend school for many days.”
According to the father, when his elder daughter went to the school, the principal said, “Don’t send her to school now, get her married early.” This statement has been seen as highly insensitive given the circumstances.
The accused, who allegedly befriended the girl through Instagram, has been arrested. ACP Independent Kumar Singh told Amar Ujala, “The accused has been arrested for the incident of misconduct. We have spoken to the school management to ensure the student faces no problems.”
The school principal defended the decision, saying, “Several students’ names were removed due to absence, including hers. I wasn’t aware of the incident. If she comes back, she will be readmitted.”
The father has appealed to education department officials and the police for help. He said, “We’re trying to create a supportive environment at home to help her recover from this trauma. The school’s reaction has only added to our distress.”
