Arrested headmaster, teacher suspended for alleged sexual harassment in Tiruvannamalai

The principal of the State Panchayat Union Primary School in Vedanvadi village and a teacher were suspended after they were arrested under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Act for alleged sexual harassment of girl students.

Police said the arrested teachers were identified as 58-year-old school principal S. Ravi and 42-year-old teacher D. Muralidaran. Initial investigation revealed that a group of survivors had alerted the child helpline (1098) about sexual abuse.

Immediately, a team of School Education Department officials, led by branch education officer S. Thilainayaki, inspected the school campus and spoke to 12 affected students in classes four and five.

As a result of the team’s investigation, a case was registered at the All Women Police Station (AWPS) in Tiruvannamalai town. The school principal and the teacher were arrested and sent to the Central Jail in Vellore. An investigation is ongoing.