Sexual Abuse Cases Rock Tamil Nadu Schools: Multiple Teachers Arrested Under POCSO Act
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In a disturbing development highlighting concerns about student safety in educational institutions, Tamil Nadu Police have made multiple arrests in two separate cases of sexual abuse in government schools, both involving teachers accused of assaulting minor students.
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Yercaud Case: Science Teacher Arrested
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The Yercaud police arrested a 37-year-old government school science teacher, Ilayakannu, on Friday night for allegedly sexually abusing ten female students from classes 10 and 12. The case emerged when one student reported the abuse to the school's headmistress, prompting immediate action.
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Following the initial complaint, the school administration alerted both the Education Department and the District Child Protection Unit. A special team conducted investigations at the school, during which they identified multiple victims. Based on their findings, the Kondalampatti All Women's Police Station registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, leading to Ilayakannu's arrest. Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
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Krishnagiri Incident: Three Teachers Arrested
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In a separate case in Krishnagiri District, authorities arrested three government school teachers at a Panchayat Union Middle School in Bargur for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student. The incident, which occurred in early January inside a school toilet, came to light on February 3 when teachers visited the victim's home to inquire about her extended absence from school.
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The school's headmistress and Block Education Officer promptly filed a police complaint upon learning of the assault. All three accused teachers were arrested on February 4, though they have denied the allegations. They remain suspended pending investigation. A preliminary internal inquiry by the School Education Department has not revealed any additional complaints against the accused.
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Support and Response
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District Collector Dhinesh Kumar confirmed that the Krishnagiri victim is receiving professional mental health support from psychiatrists. Superintendent of Police P. Thangadurai reported that both police and Child Welfare Committee officials visited the victim before transferring her to a One-Stop Centre at Krishnagiri Government Medical College Hospital for comprehensive support.
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Political Reactions
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The incidents have sparked significant political controversy in Tamil Nadu. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed shock and criticized the DMK government's handling of student safety in government educational institutions. He called on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take responsibility for the incidents, stating that "Girls are not safe in government schools and colleges."
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BJP Tamil Nadu state president K. Annamalai also condemned the incidents, connecting them to broader concerns about women's safety in the state. He referenced a recent separate incident involving the sexual assault of an 18-year-old in a moving autorickshaw to emphasize his point about the increasing frequency of such crimes.
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The cases have intensified public discourse about student safety in educational institutions and the effectiveness of existing protective measures in Tamil Nadu's government schools.

representative illustration of girl abuse

Ten students targeted in Yercaud; 13-year-old assaulted in Krishnagiri as safety concerns mount

Tamil Nadu School Horror: Teachers Held for Sex Abuse

Ten students targeted in Yercaud; 13-year-old assaulted in Krishnagiri as safety concerns mount

February 9, 2025 | 11:15 IST