A teacher at a PTC (D.El.Ed – Diploma in Elementary Education) college located within the CN Vidyavihar campus in Ahmedabad’s Ambawadi area has been suspended after a female student alleged molestation. The college management said action was taken after receiving a written complaint, and an internal inquiry has been initiated.
Allegation raised after four days
According to the student, the incident allegedly occurred on March 20 during a preliminary examination, when the teacher “held her hand and behaved inappropriately.” The matter was not reported immediately.
It came to light on March 24 during an inspection by a female professor from the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), when students were invited to share their concerns.
Written complaint leads to action
Campus director and advisory committee member Dr Vaishali Shah said the student initially conveyed the complaint verbally and was asked to submit it in writing.
She added that the written complaint was submitted after a day’s gap due to a holiday, following which the teacher was suspended. Dr Shah noted that the institution had not faced such allegations in its over 100-year history.
Internal panel to investigate
The case has been referred to the institution’s Vishakha Committee (Internal Complaints Committee), which will conduct a detailed inquiry and recommend action as per established norms.
DEO seeks explanation
The District Education Officer (DEO) has issued a notice to the college, seeking a detailed explanation regarding the incident and how the complaint was handled.
Institution profile
The government-aided PTC college has been functioning for several years and became co-educational three years ago, after previously admitting only male students.
The complainant, who hails from a village in Ahmedabad district, stays in the campus hostel. The college currently has around 110 students enrolled.
The CN Vidyavihar campus houses multiple institutions, including an education college, a fine arts college, and a school from Classes 1 to 12. Hostel facilities are available for female students from Class 9 to college, with separate accommodation wings.
Accused teacher’s tenure
According to the campus director, the accused teacher has been associated with the institution for over 20 years. The student had not informed the hostel warden, principal, or director about the incident before raising it during the inspection visit.