Principal was sexually exploiting students, teachers for 28 years

Staff kept mum about Shankar Babulal Srivastava's actions out of fear of losing their jobs

The sex scandal that rocked Shivam Vidya Mandir in Saki Naka has opened a can of worms for the principal and founder member of the school.

It has now emerged that Shankar Babulal Srivastava (53), who was suspended for sexually harassing the headmistress of the school's primary section inside his office during school hours on Saturday, had been involved in similar activities for the past 28 years.
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Insiders have now revealed that Srivastava had been physically and mentally abusing teachers and students of the school since its inception in 1981.u00a0 -->


The matter came to light yesterday after a sting operation by news channel TV9 showed Srivastava sexually abusing the headmistress in his glass cabin.

The victim Anita Sharma (39) (name changed) told MiD DAY, "For the past 12 years, he harassed me both sexually and mentally.

He threatened to fire me if I spoke about it. I kept mum to save my job. He has ruined my career; I'm innocent."

Staff Terrified

The school staff was aware of Srivastava's actions, but chose to keep mum fearing they might lose their jobs.

A male teacher, requesting anonymity, said, "Srivastava would harass teachers during school hours. Peons and other school staff have seen him misbehaving."

Added a former teacher Pramila Seth (name changed), "He also took advantage of me and when I started objecting, he dismissed me."

Around 70 teachers, including 40 females, work in the school and they are all terrified of Srivastava. "Those who raised voices against him were issued memos.

Both parents and teachers were aware that Srivastava would harass teachers and students, but none took any action because of the fear of being thrown out," said a school staff member.

The school's management, which is headed by one Laita Shetty and family members of Srivastava, were hand in glove with him.

"Now, that the matter is out in the open, the management has warned us against uttering a word to the cops against the principal," said another staff member.

While Srivastava is absconding, an FIR has been lodged against him at the Saki Naka police station.