POCSO Case Filed Against School Owner, Wife in Karnataka

February 28, 2026

Devanahalli, Karnataka: Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against the owner of a residential school and his wife following serious allegations of sexual harassment and confinement of minor students at the institution. The shocking allegations emerged late on Friday, prompting swift action from law enforcement officials.

According to police reports, the main accused has been identified as Dhananjay, the owner of the private residential school in Devanahalli — a facility that currently houses over 700 students. His wife, Shailaja, is also named in the FIR for her alleged role in the incidents. The complaint was filed at the Devanahalli Police Station after parents of affected students came forward with detailed accounts of the abuse.

Allegations of Harassment and Cover-Up

The FIR alleges that Dhananjay would reportedly enter the girls’ dormitory rooms late at night in an intoxicated state, where multiple incidents of harassment were said to have occurred. The victim’s young girls living at the school claim that the owner took advantage of his authority and position to commit repeated acts of misconduct.

When some of the traumatized students approached Shailaja to seek help, she allegedly failed to protect them. Instead, she is accused of warning the girls not to disclose the incidents to anyone and of supporting her husband’s actions. Police say the couple allegedly subjected the girls to pressure for about eight days to keep the matter hidden. During this period, the girls were reportedly not allowed to leave the school premises or contact their families.

In one particularly disturbing allegation, parents and police were told that Shailaja fed the victims papaya, which according to complainants was allegedly intended as an attempt to induce abortions following the abuse.

Parents Raise Alarm, Formal Complaint Filed

The ordeal finally came to light when some of the students managed to secretly contact their parents and detailed what they had been through. Alarmed by their daughters’ accounts, the parents immediately rushed to the school and lodged a formal complaint with the local police.

Officials confirmed that a POCSO case has been registered against both Dhananjay and Shailaja. Investigations are underway, and the police have begun gathering statements, examining evidence, and planning the next steps in the legal process.

Authorities also said that additional charges relating to illegal confinement and obstruction of communication with parents are being examined as part of the broader probe. The case highlights growing concerns over child safety and the responsibilities of educational institutions toward the welfare of students.

Community Reaction and Wider Context

The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents and parents expressing deep concern over the safety of children residing in boarding schools. Many called for stricter monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure that students are protected against abuse and exploitation.

Child rights advocates emphasized the importance of swift action by police and child protection authorities. They welcomed the registration of the POCSO case but urged authorities to take “all necessary steps” to ensure justice for the victims and prevent similar incidents in other institutions.

Sources say investigators will likely involve child psychologists and specially trained officers to record statements from the minor victims in a trauma-sensitive manner, as required by POCSO guidelines.

Legal Proceedings Underway

As of now, no arrests have been reported in the case, but police said they will seek to arrest the accused as the investigation progresses. Officers are also examining school records, CCTV footage, staff rosters, and other evidence to establish a clear timeline of events and corroborate the testimonies given by the students and their families.

The POCSO Act, designed to protect children from offences of sexual nature and ensure their safety, carries stringent punishments including long prison terms and fines for convicted offenders. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and delivering justice for the survivors.