Maths Teacher Arrested for Sexual Harassment of 42 Girl Students in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: B. Muthukumaran, a 35-year-old maths teacher was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing 42 girl students at a Government Higher Secondary School in Pappanadu area of Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district on Wednesday.

Personnel of the Orathanadu police station arrested the teacher following complaints by students and their parents.  and students.

On August 12, 2024, parents of several girls studying in Classes 9 and 10 in the school called up the Child Helpline (1098) and reported Muthukumaran’s alleged misconduct.

The officials from the Child Helpline on August 13 conducted discreet inquiries at the school. During the inquiry, several students reported incidents of sexual harassment.

The Child Helpline officials submitted their inquiry report the Chief Educational Officer, who suspended Muthukumaran on August 14.

As no legal action was taken against the erring teacher, the parents of the victims planned up a protest demonstration on October 9. Following it, the Child Helpline lodged a formal complaint with the All Women Police Station in Orathanadu. The police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and arrested Muthukumaran.