Begun, July21,2025: The Rajasthan Child Abuse Case has sent shockwaves through the nation. A government school teacher in Chittorgarh’s Begun area was arrested after he was accused of sexually abusing 23 SC/ST students, including five girls and 18 boys. The case has sparked outrage, protests, and urgent calls for systemic reforms.
The Shocking Discovery
The incident came to light when one brave student revealed the horror to his parents, who later gathered video evidence. This video was presented to the district collector on July 17, 2025. By midnight, the accused, Shambhu Lal Dhakad, was arrested.
Who Is the Accused?
Shambhu Lal Dhakad, a teacher appointed in 2016 at a government school in Begun, Chittorgarh, had an unassuming reputation. His retirement was scheduled for November 2026. But behind this image was a predator allegedly abusing the trust of his most vulnerable students.
Timeline of Events
- April 2016: Shambhu Lal appointed as a government school teacher.
- March 2025: Abuse reportedly begins, according to students.
- July 17, 2025: Complaint and video evidence submitted to the collector.
- July 18, 2025: Police initiate investigation, suspend teacher.
- July 19, 2025: Teacher dismissed after internal investigation confirms abuse.
Statements from the Victims
Multiple students shared distressing details. The teacher allegedly used threats of failure and expulsion to silence them. He would call children after school, take them to isolated areas, and commit the abuse. Videos were recorded by the teacher himself, sometimes forcing students to do the recording.
“He told me if I told anyone, I’d be expelled,” one victim reportedly said during counseling.
Role of the Parents
The courage of one child’s father led to exposure of the Rajasthan Child Abuse Case. Known only by the pseudonym Sanjay, the father coordinated with another parent and helped gather evidence before approaching authorities.
He said, “Once I saw the video, I knew silence was not an option.”
Police and Legal Action
The Rajasthan Police acted swiftly:
- FIR registered under POCSO Act Sections 3–8
- IPC Sections 64 and 65 (rape-related)
- Juvenile Justice Act Section 75
- IT Act Section 67
- SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
Begun Police Station officer Shiv Lal Meena confirmed, “We have gathered video evidence from local residents. The accused deleted data from his phone, but we retrieved it.”
The investigation is led by Rawatbhata Deputy SP Kamal Prasad Meena.
Government and Departmental Response
Education Minister Madan Dilawar reacted strongly. The teacher was suspended on July 18 and terminated on July 19. A four-member inquiry committee found Dhakad guilty based on victim testimony, videos, and school records.
“He has crossed every boundary of humanity. Such people are a curse to society,” said Dilawar.
Community Reactions
Outraged villagers protested, locking the school and demanding immediate arrest and strict punishment. Many blamed the delay in justice on the teacher’s political influence.
One parent said, “We always feared something was wrong, but he was too powerful. Now we know the truth.”
Psychological Impact on the Victims
All 23 students are undergoing psychological counseling by district mental health professionals. According to preliminary reports, many suffer from anxiety, trauma, and fear of continuing school.
Some students have already dropped out. Experts stress long-term therapy and monitoring are necessary.
The Bigger Picture: Abuse in Indian Schools
The Rajasthan Child Abuse Case is not isolated. Incidents of abuse by trusted educators are rising in India. According to NCPCR, nearly 60% of abuse cases reported in schools involve authority figures.
There is an urgent need to implement:
- Mandatory background checks
- CCTV monitoring
- Anonymous complaint mechanisms
- Child protection training for staff
The Rajasthan Child Abuse Case is a dark reminder of the vulnerabilities children face, even in places meant to protect them. But it also highlights the power of speaking up, the necessity of community support, and the importance of systemic reforms.
Justice must not stop at one arrest. The victims, their families, and society demand full accountability and lasting change.
