Principal arrested, teacher suspended for alleged sexual harassment in Tiruvannamalai

A principal and a teacher at the government Panchayat Union Primary School in Vedanvadi village have been suspended after they were arrested under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act for allegedly sexually harassing female students.

Police said the arrested teachers were identified as school principal S. Ravi (58) and teacher D. Muralidaran (42). An initial investigation showed that a group of survivors reported sexual harassment to the Children’s Helpline (1098).

A team of school education department officials led by S. Thilainayaki, branch education officer, immediately inspected the school premises and spoke to 12 affected students in classes four and five.

Based on the team’s inquiry, a case was registered at the All Women Police Station (AWPS) in Tiruvannamalai town. The principal and the teacher were arrested and lodged in Vellore Central Jail. A probe is underway.

Published – 27 Jul 2026 0:42 IST