Coochbihar, West Bengal – A shocking case of gender-based violence has come to light in Dakhghoda High School, where a 9th-grade student, identified as Reena, was allegedly assaulted by a male classmate, Mohammad Ismail, on June 23, 2025. The incident, which took place inside a classroom, was captured on video by two of Reena’s classmates, Sakina and Salam, and subsequently shared on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
According to reports, the assault involved physical aggression and harassment, with the video evidence clearly showing the boy overpowering the girl. Despite the presence of this damning footage, the school administration reportedly attempted to suppress the matter by pressuring the victim’s family to reach a compromise rather than pursue legal action. However, Reena’s father took a firm stand by lodging a formal complaint with the local police, leading to an ongoing investigation. The victim’s mother has publicly rejected any attempts at a settlement, emphasizing her demand for justice and safety for her daughter. Her resolve has been hailed as a courageous stance against the societal tendency to prioritize reconciliation over accountability in such cases. This incident has reignited discussions on the safety of students within educational institutions, particularly for girls. According to a 2023 UNESCO report, approximately 246 million children worldwide experience violence in schools each year, with South Asia reporting elevated levels of peer-to-peer aggression. The report also highlights that sexual or gender-based violence affects an estimated 60 million girls annually on their way to or at school, underscoring the urgency of addressing such issues. Local authorities have yet to comment on the specifics of the case, but the investigation is expected to determine whether the school’s response constitutes negligence. Advocates for gender equality are calling for stricter protocols to ensure safe learning environments and swift judicial action to deter similar incidents. As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in combating gender-based violence and the critical need for systemic change to protect vulnerable students.
