Nine Class VIII Students Held for Sexually Harassing Schoolmate in Thoothukudi
Nine Class VIII students in Thoothukudi were arrested under POCSO for sexually harassing a classmate since Class VII.
In Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, nine Class VIII students of a government higher secondary school have been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually harassing a schoolmate. The arrests were made in two batches: five on Tuesday and four on Wednesday, following a complaint filed by the victim's parents at the Vilathikulam All Women Police Station.
The victim, also a Class VIII student, had reportedly been subjected to repeated sexual harassment by the accused since they were in Class VII. The nine students allegedly threatened the boy with further harassment if he disclosed the incidents to his parents or teachers.
The matter came to light a few days ago when the accused allegedly harassed the victim again on school premises. A teacher who learned of the incident informed the boy's parents, prompting them to approach the police.
All nine students were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and subsequently lodged at the observation home for boys in Tirunelveli. Police said further investigation is underway.