A government school in Bihar’s Nawada became the site of a protest on 18 September after girl students accused their principal, Mahesh Prasad Yadav, of inappropriate behaviour and unwanted physical contact. Police later arrested the 52-year-old headmaster under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The incident was reported at Utkramit Madhya Vidyalaya in Anandpura, under Nawada Sadar block. Reports said students from Classes 6 to 8 made allegations against Yadav. Some students alleged that he touched them inappropriately, made them sit on his lap and behaved inappropriately around the school bathroom. The matter came to light after a Class 8 student reportedly approached the headmaster during an examination to collect examination material and later told others about the alleged behaviour. Following the complaints, students’ parents and local residents reached the school premises and protested. Police reached the school after receiving information about the protest. According to reports, Yadav was taken from the school and arrested. An FIR was registered based on the students’ complaints, with provisions of the POCSO Act included. He was subsequently sent to judicial custody, according to reports. The police are investigating the allegations and statements of the students. As the case involves minors, their identities have not been disclosed.