School Principal, Secretary Held After Sports Teacher’s Sexual Harassment Of Students

The principal and secretary of a school in Tiruchendur have been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing female students and coercing them into consuming alcohol.

Salma Matriculation School, a private institution located in the Udangudi area in Thoothukudi district, accommodates over 500 students from grades 1 to 12. Ponsingh, a physical education teacher at the school, recently took five female students to participate in regional sports competitions in Thoothukudi on 22 October 2024, with the competition scheduled for the following day.

During their stay at a private hostel in Thoothukudi, Ponsingh reportedly forced the students to drink alcohol and subsequently mistreated them. He also threatened the girls, warning them that reporting the incident to their parents or school authorities could jeopardize their education. Despite this, the students confided in their parents, who then approached the school management for action.

However, no measures were taken initially, prompting the parents to protest outside the school on the afternoon of 11 November 2024. The District Education Officer learned of the situation in response to the outcry and conducted separate inquiries with the affected students.

Following these developments, Ponsingh, hiding in Coimbatore, was apprehended and brought to the Tiruchendur Women’s Police Station. Subsequently, on 12 November 2024, the school’s principal, Charles, and secretary, Syed Ahmed, were also arrested for their involvement. An investigation is currently underway.

(With inputs from Update360 News)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.