Bhaskar Namdevrao Rajurkar (55) assumed office as headmaster of the Panwadi-based primary school under Arvi Panchayat Samiti last June. Rajurkar, who was transferred here from Pavnur on promotion, began staying at the gram panchayat. He was known as a religious and disciplined teacher in the area.

A tribal girl, a Std V student, who stayed close to the gram panchayat godown, used to visit Rajurkar's residence for household works. During the Diwali festival, when the girl visited Rajurkar's residence, the teacher allegedly raped her and threatened her with dire consequences if she reported the matter to anyone. Though the girl did not tell anyone about the incident, her mother noticed a difference in her behaviour. On questioning her repeatedly, the girl burst into tears and told her mothereverything.

The news spread and people from all walks of life condemned the incident. The parents of the victim approached prominent villagers in this regard and demanded justice. Later, they reported the matter to a policeman named Patil. When he failed to be of much help, the mother of the victim called her brother and other relatives from her parent's place. A police complaint was lodged soon after their arrival.

The police registered an offence of caste-based abuse and rape against the headmaster under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code following the receipt of the medical report. Yet another case was registered against him under the Atrocities Prevention Act.

The accused, who has been reported absconding, submitted an application to the court for anticipatory bail last Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the girl students of the Zilla Parishad school and other schools have been keeping away from the institutions following the news of the rape of their friend. The schools have been wearing a deserted look, itis reported. However, none of the teachers have dared to meet the parents of the victim. It is now gathered that some higher officials are going to visit the village shortly.