Belagavi teacher arrested for sexual harassment of Class 10 students in Chikkodi
Synopsis
More than five Class 10 students at a government school in Chikkodi, Belagavi came forward with similar allegations against their Kannada teacher, who reportedly used exam-help promises to isolate and harass them. Angry parents stormed the school and assaulted the accused before police intervened — a case that raises serious questions about safeguarding in Karnataka's government school system.
Key Takeaways
Srishaila Kumbara , a Kannada language teacher at Government Urdu High School, Chikkodi , was arrested on 16 June .
More than five Class 10 male students independently reported similar allegations of sexual harassment against him.
The accused allegedly used promises of exam assistance to isolate students in empty classrooms and school restrooms.
Angry parents and locals stormed the school and physically assaulted the teacher before Chikkodi police intervened.
A formal case has been registered under relevant legal provisions; a departmental inquiry by education officials is also expected.
A Kannada language teacher at a Government Urdu High School in Chikkodi, Belagavi district, was taken into police custody on 16 June after more than five Class 10 male students came forward with allegations of sexual harassment against him, according to police. The accused has been identified as Srishaila Kumbara.
How the Allegations Came to Light
According to police sources, the matter surfaced after multiple students from the tenth standard independently raised similar grievances, suggesting a pattern of conduct rather than an isolated incident. The complaints allege that Kumbara used academic leverage to exploit the victims — reportedly promising them assistance in clearing their upcoming Kannada language examinations.
Under that pretext, he allegedly isolated students by taking them to an empty classroom and the school restrooms, where the alleged harassment took place.
Violence on School Premises
Following the disclosure of the allegations, a large group of parents and local residents gathered at the school in Chikkodi. Tension escalated rapidly, with the crowd reportedly entering the school premises and physically assaulting the teacher before law enforcement could intervene. Chikkodi police rushed to the scene, rescued the accused from the crowd, and took him into formal custody.
Case Registered, Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case against Kumbara under relevant legal provisions. A thorough investigation is currently underway. Educational department officials are also expected to review the incident and initiate parallel departmental proceedings against the accused.
What Happens Next
Authorities are likely to record statements from all students who have come forward, and the school administration faces scrutiny over supervisory lapses that may have allowed the alleged conduct to continue. This incident adds to a series of reported cases of teacher misconduct in Karnataka government schools, renewing calls for stronger safeguarding protocols within the state's education system.
Point of View
Not a one-off incident, and raises questions about why no teacher, administrator, or peer flagged the behaviour earlier. Karnataka's government school system has faced recurring scrutiny over the absence of structured child-protection committees at the school level, which are mandated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) framework but unevenly implemented. The mob assault on the accused, while reflecting community outrage, also risks complicating the evidentiary chain for prosecutors. The parallel departmental inquiry will be the real test of institutional accountability — past cases in the state have seen such inquiries stall or conclude without meaningful consequence.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the teacher arrested in the Chikkodi school harassment case?
The accused is Srishaila Kumbara , a Kannada language teacher at the Government Urdu High School in Chikkodi, Belagavi district. He was taken into police custody on 16 June after multiple students filed complaints against him.
What are the allegations against the Chikkodi teacher?
More than five Class 10 male students have alleged that Kumbara sexually harassed them. He reportedly promised to help them pass their Kannada language examinations and then allegedly isolated them in empty classrooms and school restrooms, where the harassment occurred.
What action has the Chikkodi police taken?
Chikkodi police have registered a case against Kumbara under relevant legal provisions and launched a formal investigation. Officers also intervened to rescue the accused from a crowd of parents who had gathered and assaulted him at the school.
Will the school's education department also take action?
Yes, educational department officials are expected to initiate parallel departmental proceedings against the accused, separate from the criminal case being pursued by police.
Why did parents gather at the school?
After the students' allegations became known, a large group of angry parents and local residents assembled at the school. The situation turned tense when the crowd reportedly entered the premises and physically assaulted the teacher before police arrived to restore order.
