Haveri (Karnataka), Dec 13 (NationPress) In a shocking incident, authorities in Karnataka's Haveri district have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against 22 individuals accused of violently assaulting a school teacher. The teacher was humiliated by being adorned with chappals and publicly paraded due to allegations of sexual harassment involving schoolgirls, as reported by officials on Saturday.

The disturbing footage of this mob attack quickly spread across social media, causing significant public outcry and concern throughout the state.

The FIR was initiated following a complaint from the teacher himself, who claimed he was assaulted, publicly shamed, and threatened by local residents. He has requested that police take stringent legal measures against the assailants.

Authorities have indicated that no official allegations have been made against the teacher by any students or their guardians concerning sexual misconduct. Investigators are also exploring whether internal conflicts among school staff may have contributed to the incident.

The Savanur police department is currently conducting further inquiries. The charges against the accused include public humiliation and issuing threats to life. Police have been able to identify those involved by examining video evidence circulating online.

Previously, on December 10, an FIR was lodged against the teacher following a complaint from the school's headmaster, Rajesaba Khudanasaba Sankanura, concerning allegations of sexual harassment towards schoolgirls. This case remains under investigation.

Authorities mentioned the matter is being dealt with heightened sensitivity, especially since many individuals implicated in the mob attack belong to a minority community.

The incident unfolded in Savanur town of Haveri district, where the teacher, accused of sexually harassing students at a Government Urdu Upgraded High School, faced what police described as a form of mob justice before being handed over to law enforcement.

Initial reports suggest that irate parents and locals gathered at the school, confronted the teacher, and allegedly assaulted him. He was subsequently paraded through parts of the town before being taken to the Savanur Police Station.

Meanwhile, representatives from the Anjuman Committee have claimed that public resentment had been brewing against the teacher due to his alleged behavior. They asserted that a few days prior, a student had complained of stomach pain and fever, which led to inquiries that allegedly uncovered instances of sexual harassment by the teacher. The committee further alleged that investigations indicated as many as seven girls had been victimized.

“When interrogated, the teacher reportedly acknowledged assaulting one student, not seven. This revelation incited public outrage, resulting in the assault and parade,” committee members asserted.

However, police noted that these claims have yet to be substantiated through formal complaints or documented medical evidence. Authorities reiterated that both the allegations against the teacher and the mob attack are being investigated independently, with strict legal responses assured in accordance with the law.

Further investigation is ongoing.