Principal accused of murdering student close to BJP-RSS, Gujarat Cong claims

The Gujarat Congress on Monday claimed a school principal held for allegedly murdering a six-year-old girl student in Gujarat's Dahod district was close to the BJP and RSS.

The child's body was found in the school compound in Torani village in Singvad taluka on Thursday, and a probe zeroed in on principal Govind Nat.

Nat, who was taking the child to school in his car, smothered her to death after she fended off his sexual assault attempt, according to the police. He was held on Sunday.

Sharing some photographs in which the accused can be purportedly seen sitting with former state minister Arjunsinh Chauhan and attending an RSS event in the outfit's uniform, Gujarat Congress spokesperson Parthivrajsinh Kathavadia said, "Govind Nat is a political figure. In the photographs available on social media, Nat can be seen with BJP leaders and also attending events of the RSS and VHP."

"It is clear from such cases that our daughters are not safe under BJP rule in Gujarat. These incidents are a disgrace to the education sector and has left parents worried," Kathvadiya said in a statement, and expressed concern on the accused getting protection owing to his political influence.

He also asked if BJP leaders would take out a candle march for "Dahod's daughter".

Responding to the allegations, Gujarat education minister Kuber Dindor said his department had worked closely with the police to solve the crime at the earliest.

"We worked closely with the police. It is a shameful act by a principal. Thanks to our efforts, the police managed to nab him in 24 hours and put him behind bars. We have already suspended him and our government will ensure the case is heard in a fast track court for speedy justice," Kuber said.