56-year-old headmaster held under POCSO in Tirupattur

A 56-year-old headmaster of a panchayat union primary school in Tirupattur was arrested by Umarabad police under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, on charges of sexually assaulting a Class 5 student during school hours.

Police said the arrested headmaster, K. Bharath Ambedkar, a resident of Tirupattur, was posted at the school a fortnight ago after his suspension was revoked by district education officials. Prior to his reinstatement, Ambedkar was suspended for a similar incident that occurred at a government school in Vellore a few months ago.

Initial inquiry revealed that he allegedly came to the school campus in an inebriated condition a few days ago. He asked the girl to sit on his lap and allegedly sexually assaulted her. A few parents, who visited the school, saw the incident and complained to Umarabad police. Residents also reported the incident to Tirupattur District Educational Officer (Elementary) R. Malaivasan.

Based on orders of Mr. Malaivasan, an inquiry team comprising Madhanur block educational officers, K. Peter and B. Murugesan, inspected the school and spoke to the victim, her parents and the school staff. Following the inquiry, Mr. Malaivasan placed the headmaster under suspension, police said.