Headmaster of Tibetan school in Nepal arrested for rape and molestation

DHARAMSALA, June 24: The headmaster of a Tibetan school in Nepal was arrested by Nepali police for alleged molestation and rape of school girls, according to a report by the Tibetan section of the Washington-based Radio Free Asia.

Mahesh Thapa, the headmaster of Srongtsen Bhrikuti Boarding High School in Boudha Nath was arrested on June 23 by Nepali police after 7 to 8 school girls complained of molestation and rape by the teacher who has been working with the school for the past 20 years.

Students gathering for morning assembly. (Photo: srongtsen.edu.np)
Students gathering for morning assembly. (Photo: srongtsen.edu.np)

The school’s administrative body, after a meeting following the complaint, stripped him of his position and expelled him from the school.

Ven. Jampa Phuntsok, the principal of the school stated that the school administration will continue with the investigation of the case.

A father of a 14-yr-old victim said that his daughter was called to a restaurant by the teacher and later taken to a local guest house in the evening.

Ven. Jampa Phuntsok, the school principal. Photo: srongtsen.edu.np
Ven. Jampa Phuntsok, the school principal. Photo: srongtsen.edu.np

Srongtsen Bhrikuti Boarding High School was established in March 1982 with only 100 students and over the years, it has transformed into one of the largest Tibetan schools in Nepal. The school currently provides education to over 700 students and along with three other schools in Kathmandu, is affiliated with the Department of Education of the Central Tibetan Administration.

 

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