Kolkata Police have apprehended a martial arts instructor for purportedly sexually harassing underage students during training sessions. The arrested individual, identified as Prosenjit Das, was taken into custody following a complaint from one of the students. He faces charges under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Reportedly, the accused served as a treasurer at an NGO hostel in the Survey Park area of south Kolkata. In addition to his financial role, he provided martial arts instruction to young girls residing in the hostel, particularly those without parental care. These girls, under the NGO’s encouragement to engage in sports, received karate and kung fu lessons from Prosenjit.
Allegations suggest that the teacher inappropriately touched the minor girls under the guise of martial arts training, causing discomfort among many students who refrained from speaking out. Furthermore, it is claimed that he lured some victims to secluded areas within the hostel for individual lessons, where instances of sexual abuse occurred.
One minor from Rabindra Sarobar area, residing at the Survey Park hostel due to parental separation, also fell victim to the alleged abuse. Despite her attempts to avoid the perpetrator, she faced continuous sexual harassment during separate classes. The situation escalated to panic attacks, which caught the attention of another teacher in the hostel, leading to the disclosure of the abuse.
Upon learning of the incidents, the concerned teacher reported the matter to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), prompting an investigation at the hostel. Subsequently, the minor was relocated for her safety. Initially reported at Rabindra Sarobar Police Station, the case was transferred to Survey Park Police Station for further action.
Following inquiries, Prosenjit Das was arrested by the police, who are now probing the extent of his alleged sexual misconduct involving minors.
