In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about the safety of schoolchildren, three teachers from a government middle school in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district, have been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl student. The arrests were made on Wednesday, following a complaint lodged by the victim’s parents, a month after the incident reportedly occurred.
According to police reports, the alleged assault took place on January 2 inside the school restroom. The matter came to light on February 2 when the victim’s parents informed the headmaster about the incident. In response to the complaint, the Bargur police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, specifically under Section 5 (f) related to aggravated penetrative sexual assault. Additional charges were filed under sections 329 (3) for criminal trespass and 351 (2) for criminal intimidation.
Following the arrests, the three accused teachers have been placed on a 15-day police remand. The District Education Officer (DEO) has also suspended them from their positions pending further investigation. Krishnagiri Collector C. Dinesh Kumar confirmed the swift action taken by the district administration, stating that counseling services have been provided to the victim and a medical examination conducted.
In a statement to the media, Collector Kumar addressed rumors circulating about the victim’s health, specifically denying claims that she had become pregnant and undergone an abortion. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students in the district.
The incident has sparked outrage among political leaders, with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemning the ruling DMK government for failing to protect girl students and women in Tamil Nadu. He called for maximum punishment for the accused and criticized the state administration for the current state of affairs regarding safety in schools.
In light of this incident, the school education department has reiterated its commitment to child protection, announcing a series of measures aimed at raising awareness about safety protocols in schools. This includes the implementation of strict guidelines and training for educators to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Krishnagiri case is not an isolated incident; it follows a troubling trend of sexual assaults against minors in the region. Recently, over 120 students were reported to have been sexually assaulted in connection with fraudulent NCC camps, leading to the arrest of 23 individuals involved in that case. These incidents have raised alarms about the safety of children in educational institutions and the need for stringent measures to protect them.
As the investigation into the current case unfolds, the community and authorities are calling for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident, as well as a review of the measures in place to safeguard students. The focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and preventing future occurrences of such heinous acts.
The Krishnagiri district administration is under pressure to act decisively in response to this incident, with calls for increased vigilance and protective measures in schools. The case has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to child safety in educational settings, as well as the importance of fostering an environment where students feel secure and supported.
As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in protecting the rights and safety of children in educational institutions across the country. The hope is that this case will lead to meaningful changes that prioritize the well-being of students and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
