Teacher Sentenced to 40 Years for Abuse of Special Needs Student in Darjeeling School

KalimNews, Siliguri, April 10, 2025 : In a landmark decision, the Darjeeling District Court on Wednesday convicted 23-year-old Mohammad Hasim, a teacher, for the sexual molestation of a special needs child at a local Montessori school. The court sentenced Hasim to 40 years of rigorous imprisonment, marking a significant step towards justice for vulnerable children.

Hasim, a resident of Tungsung in Darjeeling, had been sexually abusing the young Class-II girl, who had special needs, for a prolonged period. The victim’s family filed a formal complaint with the Sadar Women Police Station on June 7, 2024, leading to the investigation and arrest of the accused. According to Pranay Rai, the Public Prosecutor for Darjeeling District Court, Hasim was found guilty under Section 85 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, based on the statements of multiple witnesses and supporting evidence.

The investigation was led by LSI Chhunku Bhutia, who was the Officer-in-Charge of the Darjeeling Women Police Station at the time. In a statement, Darjeeling Police emphasized the importance of the verdict. "This judgment underscores our commitment to securing justice for vulnerable children. We urge citizens to stay alert and report such crimes to help protect our children," the statement read.

The incident records that a 14-year-old specially-abled Class II student was found with bruise marks on her body, which were reported to her mother. Later, the student disclosed that she had been subjected to repeated abuse by her teacher. The mother raised the matter with the school administration, but no action was reportedly taken. 

The case drew public attention after serious allegations surfaced involving a school staff member and the specially-abled student. The situation came to light as concerns were raised about the child’s treatment, prompting an ongoing investigation. According to the family, similar concerns had been previously brought to the school’s notice but were not addressed.

The crime, which took place in the very environment where children with special needs are supposed to feel safe, has deeply shaken the local community. Hasim, a special educator responsible for nurturing these children, betrayed the trust placed in him, exploiting his position for nefarious purposes. The case highlights the ongoing issue of child abuse in schools and serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of children with special needs.

This swift justice with secured less than a year has been hailed as a victory for the victim and her family. The local police have been praised for their diligent work in bringing the case to court. “Congratulations to Sub-Inspector Chhunku Bhutia and the Darjeeling Police for this achievement. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, and we wish her a future filled with healing and happiness,” said a spokesperson for the Darjeeling Police.

The court's ruling serves as a powerful message that such crimes will not be tolerated, and that those who exploit the vulnerable will face the full force of the law. It underscores the judicial system's commitment to protecting the rights of children and ensuring that justice is swiftly delivered in cases of abuse. 

The harsh sentence reflects society's growing intolerance for crimes that prey on the most vulnerable, sending a clear signal to potential offenders that such behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The ruling also highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for children, especially in educational environments, where trust and security should be paramount.