19 held for attack on teacher; parents demand strict action

November 22, 2014 01:45 am | Updated 01:45 am IST - CHENNAI:

Parents expressed concern about the safety of students and teachers in the aftermath of the attack by the gang — Photo: R. Ravindran

Parents expressed concern about the safety of students and teachers in the aftermath of the attack by the gang — Photo: R. Ravindran

Agitated parents thronged the campus of the Loyola Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Kodambakkam on Friday noon after Commissioner of Police S. George arrived to probe the assault on a physical education teacher by some persons in connection with the alleged corporal punishment of a boy on Thursday.

Over 100 parents raised slogans demanding the immediate arrest of Arulanandam, a realtor and MD of marketing firm Rich India, his brother Sebastian, and associates who allegedly orchestrated the attack on Thursday afternoon, claiming the teacher had punished Arulanandam’s son, a class VII student. “My son refused to come to school this morning after witnessing the attack. We fear for the safety of the children and teachers,” said Mahalakshmi, a parent.

Commissioner George spoke through the public address system and assured immediate action. “There is zero tolerance for such attacks on campuses, especially in front of children. Every individual behind this will be brought to book,” Mr. George added.

Bhaskar, the physical education instructor, is being treated at a government hospital after the assault by a 20-member gang. “Arulanandam, Sebastian and their key aides Vijayakumar and Moideen, are absconding. Special teams are on the hunt to apprehend them,” said a police officer.

Investigators arrested 19 assailants after examination of CCTV footage that showed the group chasing and beating up the teacher, sources added.

The Inspector of Matriculation Schools (in-charge) and Chennai Chief Educational Officer said they would submit an inquiry report to the Director of Matriculation Schools. An official said that they are yet to examine CCTV footage of the PT hour when the student was allegedly subjected to corporal punishment.

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