Two days after the suicide of a Plus-Two student from Nambiyur here, who was allegedly subjected to sexual harassment by her teacher, the police have formed special teams to nab the accused here on Wednesday.
Superintendent of Police S. Sakthi Ganesan said that a case had been registered and a search was on to nab the accused.
On Monday, the parents and relatives of the 17-year-old girl picketed the Government Model School in Nambiyur demanding action against the teacher. The parents alleged that the teacher, C. Shanmugam, had sexually harassed their daughter last week and the girl told them of this.
On September 10, they complained to the headmistress, Mangayarkarasi, who reportedly inquired Shanmugam. That evening, the teacher went to their house and got into an altercation with them, the parents alleged. Upset over this, the girl consumed poison and died on September 16. On Monday, the parents cremated the body without informing the police.
Chief Education Officer R. Balamurali, District Education Officer Sivakumar, Gobichettipalayam DSP M. Selvam and revenue officials held talks with the protesters. They assured the parents of action against the teacher after which the protest was withdrawn. Later, the teacher was placed under suspension. Nambiyur police registered a case against the teacher under Section 12 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and Sections 506 (i) (criminal intimidation) and 305 (abetment of suicide of child or insane person) of the Indian Penal Code. The police said a case would also be registered against those who cremated the body without informing them.
Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104 or Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.
