Puducherry Teacher Arrested for Sexual Assault on Six-Year-Old Student
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Synopsis
Puducherry Police have arrested a teacher named Manikandan for sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl student at a private school. The incident has sparked protests, alleging negligence by the school and police. Similar cases have emerged in Tamil Nadu, raising concerns about student safety.
Key Takeaways
- Puducherry teacher arrested for sexual assault.
- Parents accuse school and police of negligence.
- Protests ensued, leading to traffic disruption.
- Case registered under POCSO Act.
- Similar incidents reported in Tamil Nadu schools.
Puducherry, Feb 15 (NationPress) The local police apprehended a school teacher for the sexual abuse of a six-year-old girl student at his school. The teacher, known as Manikandan, was employed at a private institution and was taken into custody on Saturday.
The victim is a Class 1 student at the same private school where Manikandan works. The situation became apparent when the girl reported experiencing physical discomfort, prompting her to be taken to a hospital, where medical professionals confirmed that she had been sexually harassed.
The child's parents and relatives accused the school authorities and law enforcement of neglecting to act even after they were alerted about the incident.
Outraged by the lack of response, more than 200 locals, along with the child's family members, organized a protest and obstructed the Puducherry-Cuddalore road, resulting in a three-hour traffic jam.
Upon receiving the report, the police arrived at the protest site and negotiated with demonstrators, leading to Manikandan's arrest.
The police have filed a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and have commenced an investigation.
In a similar case, three government teachers in Tamil Nadu were apprehended for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at Panchayat Union Middle School in Bargur, located in Krishnagiri district. This crime, which took place in early January, was only uncovered on February 3, when educators visited the girl's home to inquire about her extended absence.
During this visit, the girl revealed the sexual assault, which allegedly occurred inside a restroom on school grounds. Following her disclosure, the school’s headmistress and the block education officer lodged a complaint, resulting in the arrest of the three accused on February 4.
Krishnagiri District Collector Dhinesh Kumar confirmed that the girl is receiving mental health support from qualified psychiatrists and psychologists.
The accused teachers have denied the allegations but have been suspended pending further investigation.
In another alarming incident, Tamil Nadu Police apprehended a science teacher at a government school in Yercaud, Salem, for sexually abusing ten female students. The accused, Ilayakannu (37), was arrested by Yercaud Police and charged under the POCSO Act.
Ilayakannu, who taught science to students in grades 10 and 12, allegedly assaulted ten girls. This incident came to light when one of the victims mustered the courage to inform the school’s headmistress and demanded action against the teacher.
The headmistress promptly reported the situation to Education Department officials and the District Child Protection Unit. An inquiry team subsequently visited the school and conducted investigations with the students.
Preliminary inquiries substantiated that the teacher had abused ten students. Following a complaint from the District Child Protection Unit, the Kondalampatti All Women’s Police Station filed a case under the POCSO Act and arrested Ilayakannu.
Further investigations are ongoing.
This incident has sparked outrage, with former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) expressing dismay. In a social media statement, he condemned the DMK government for not ensuring the safety of students in government schools and urged Chief Minister M K Stalin to take full accountability for the incident.
