Tribal welfare foundation pushes for SC/ST Act enforcement after teacher's crime claims

In the wake of a teacher's alleged rape of a tribal Gujjar girl in Jammu and Kashmir, the Tribal Gujjar Bakarwal Welfare Foundation has intensified its legal campaign. Dr. Naseeb Ali, the foundation's General Secretary and a university assistant professor, submitted an appeal to the Scheduled Tribes Commission on August 23, urging that the perpetrators be charged under the SC/ST Act.

The foundation highlighted that the victim belonged to an Scheduled Tribe, making the case eligible for the protective provisions of the Act. Within two days, the commission dispatched a notice, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha referred the matter to the crime branch for a focused probe.

Investigations have so far identified six suspects. Arrests have been staggered: three were taken into custody initially, followed by two more, and a final individual was apprehended subsequently. The foundation reported that medical personnel failed to admit the child promptly, adding to the neglect.

With 30‑40 individuals possibly implicated, the foundation expects additional arrests. It stresses that a swift and severe verdict will serve as a deterrent, ensuring that future offenders think twice before targeting vulnerable tribal children.