Martial Arts Teacher Arrested for Sexual Harassment of Minors in Kolkata

New Delhi, India Jul 13, 2026 ALN: Kolkata Police have arrested a martial arts teacher for allegedly sexually harassing minor students during training classes, according to a senior officer on Monday.

The arrested teacher, identified as Prosenjit Das, was taken into custody on Saturday following a complaint lodged by one of his students. He has been charged under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, which is a comprehensive legislation enacted in India to protect children from offenses of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography.

According to police reports, Das served as a treasurer in an NGO hostel located in the Survey Park area of south Kolkata. His role included teaching martial arts to minor girls residing in the hostel, primarily those without parental care. The NGO aimed to encourage these girls to participate in sports, which is why Das was tasked with teaching karate and kung fu alongside his administrative duties. This initiative was part of a broader effort to empower young girls through sports, providing them with skills that could boost their self-esteem and physical fitness.

However, the very environment that was meant to foster confidence and discipline became a setting for alleged abuse. Allegations suggest that Das engaged in inappropriate behavior, touching the minor girls inappropriately under the guise of martial arts instruction. Many students reportedly felt uncomfortable but lacked the courage to voice their concerns, a situation not uncommon in cases of abuse, particularly when the perpetrator is in a position of authority.

Furthermore, it is alleged that Das would call some students to secluded areas within the hostel, claiming to provide them with private lessons, where he would then sexually abuse them. This predatory behavior highlights a disturbing trend where individuals exploit their positions of trust to manipulate and harm vulnerable minors.

One victim, a minor girl from the Rabindra Sarobar area, had been residing at the hostel after her parents separated. She began learning martial arts from Das and alleged that he had been sexually abusing her for several months. Despite her attempts to avoid him, Das would intimidate her, threatening her and taking her to secluded areas for private classes where the abuse occurred. Such tactics are often employed by abusers to instill fear and maintain control over their victims, making it exceedingly difficult for them to seek help.

After enduring this abuse for months, the girl began experiencing panic attacks. Another teacher at the hostel noticed her distress and compassionately inquired about her situation. This prompted the girl to confide in the teacher about the abuse. The teacher’s intervention was crucial, as it provided the victim with the support needed to break the silence surrounding her ordeal.

Following this revelation, the teacher reported the incident to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), an organization responsible for ensuring the well-being of children and addressing issues of abuse. Upon receiving the complaint, CWC members visited the hostel to investigate. After speaking with the minor, they arranged for her to be placed in a safe environment, a critical step in ensuring her protection and recovery from the trauma she experienced.

A formal complaint against Das was initially filed at the Rabindra Sarobar Police Station. However, since the incidents occurred within the jurisdiction of the Survey Park Police Station, a zero FIR was registered at Rabindra Sarobar and subsequently transferred to Survey Park. This procedural step is significant as it demonstrates the police's commitment to addressing the case appropriately, ensuring that jurisdictional boundaries do not hinder the pursuit of justice.

After conducting an investigation, police arrested Prosenjit Das on Saturday. Authorities are currently interrogating him to determine the extent of his alleged abuse of minors. The police are also exploring the possibility that there may be additional victims, as the nature of the allegations suggests that Das may have targeted multiple students over an extended period.

The case has raised serious questions about the safety of minors in educational and training environments, particularly in institutions designed to support vulnerable populations. It underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for robust safeguarding measures within organizations that work with children. The allegations against Das serve as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse in settings where trust is placed in authority figures.

As the investigation continues, the police are working to uncover how many other minors may have been victimized by Das in the past. This aspect of the investigation is critical, as it aims to provide justice not only for the current victim but also for any others who may have suffered in silence. The authorities have urged anyone with additional information or who may have experienced similar abuse to come forward, highlighting the community's role in safeguarding children.

The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate legal consequences for Das. It raises broader societal issues regarding the protection of children, the need for effective reporting mechanisms for abuse, and the importance of fostering an environment where young individuals feel safe to disclose their experiences. Organizations working with children must implement stringent policies and training that prioritize the safety and well-being of minors, ensuring that all staff members are aware of the signs of abuse and the appropriate procedures for reporting concerns.

In conclusion, the arrest of Prosenjit Das serves as a critical juncture in the ongoing fight against child abuse in India. It highlights the necessity for continued vigilance, education, and advocacy to protect the most vulnerable members of society. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that the community remains engaged, supporting the victims and working collectively to prevent such tragedies in the future.