Police in Palakkad have arrested a school teacher for the alleged sexual harassment of a minor student, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community. The accused, identified as Anil, a resident of Kollengode, was taken into custody on Sunday.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The disturbing incident is reported to have taken place on November 29. According to police, Anil, who works as an upper primary Sanskrit teacher at an aided school in the Malampuzha area, allegedly forced the minor boy to consume liquor at his residence. He is further accused of sexually harassing the child on the same day.
How the Case Came to Light
The matter remained hidden for weeks until December 18, when the victim finally confided in a school friend. This classmate promptly informed the boy's parents about the ordeal. The parents then approached the school authorities, who initiated their own disciplinary proceedings. However, the school administration did not report the serious allegations to the police.
Meanwhile, the special branch of the Kerala Police, which is the intelligence wing, received separate information about the incident. They conducted preliminary inquiries and gathered crucial details. Acting on the intelligence provided by the special branch, local police officials recorded the survivor's formal statement. This led to the immediate registration of a formal case.
Legal Action and Arrest
A case has been registered under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Based on the evidence and the survivor's statement, the police arrested the accused teacher, Anil. He is now in judicial custody and will be produced before a court as part of the remand process. The police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
This case highlights critical issues of child safety and the mandatory reporting protocols under the POCSO Act, which require institutions to inform law enforcement immediately about such offences.
