Daniel Arulraj, a gym instructor and preacher, was arrested by officials probing the sexual assault of minors at a fake NCC camp in private schools in Krishnagiri. Daniel was a close associate of the main accused, Sivaraman.
TOI reported that an official source identified the arrested person as Daniel Arulraj, aged 38, from Kaveripattinam. “He closely worked with the late A Siva alias Sivaraman, who conducted fake NCC camps at private schools in the district and molested a few girls when he visited the camps. With his arrest, the number of people held in the case has increased to 17,” the source told TOI.
Daniel Arulraj has been apprehended for his role as an accomplice in Sivaraman’s criminal activities. The arrested include the female principal of the private school, the district NCC coordinator, and a former Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) party administrator.
It is also notable that Sivaraman, the NTK administrator and prime suspect, reportedly attempted suicide and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital due to a lack of proper treatment.
Background
A fake National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp at a private school near Bargur led to a disturbing scandal involving the sexual assault of 13 minor girls. The fraudulent camp, held from 5 August to 9 August 2024, was organized by individuals without official affiliation to the NCC and hosted 41 students, including 17 girls.
The scandal was uncovered when a 13-year-old girl reported being sexually assaulted by Sivaraman, a trainer at the camp and the district youth wing secretary of the Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) political party. Despite threats from school authorities, the victim bravely contacted the police, triggering an investigation.
During the camp, which lacked proper supervision, girls were housed on the first floor of the school auditorium while boys were kept on the ground floor. On the night of 8 August 2024, Sivaraman allegedly lured the girl out of her accommodation and assaulted her. Further investigations revealed that Sivaraman was also implicated in the harassment of 13 other girls during the camp.
At the time of the incident’s revelation, eleven individuals, including the camp organizer, the school principal, two teachers, and a correspondent, had been arrested in connection with the case. Additionally, Daniel Arulraj, a gym master and pastor linked to Sivaraman, was arrested as Sivaraman’s accomplice.
#TamilNadu Sexual Assault Case: 11 Arrested
NDTV's @jsamdaniel with more updates pic.twitter.com/K6Hz1LrmW9
— NDTV (@ndtv) August 19, 2024
It has been revealed that the school management, including the principal and two teachers, were aware of the assaults but chose to suppress the information rather than report it. Students were reportedly instructed to disregard the incidents, exacerbating the situation.
Suo Motu Cognizance By NCW
On 21 August 2024, the National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognizance of the case. The NCW directed the Director General of Police (DGP) in Chennai to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation. The commission has requested a detailed report from the police and the state government.
National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report titled “13 girl sexually abused at fake NCC camp” from Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. The commission has directed DGP Chennai to ensure a fair, time bound investigation, booking the accused under relevant…
— NCW (@NCWIndia) August 21, 2024
(With inputs from Puthiya Thalaimurai)
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