India, Sept. 3 -- Taking suo motu cognizance of the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl by her school head in one of the government schools in Hoshiarpur district, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has directed the authorities concerned to expedite the investigation and ensure strict application of the Protection of Children from Sexual offences (POCSO) Act and other legal provisions.

Stating that the alleged offence by an educator against his pupil was deeply disturbing, the NCW has called for strict legal and administrative action.

NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the authorities to look into other delinquencies, if any, of the accused in the past. She has also sought specialised medical care, legal aid and prompt c...