School principal held for sexually assaulting student

The accused, G Jayabalan (44), principal of Montfort school, Perungudi, was held on a complaint by the victim’s mother. According to the complainant, Jayabalan misbehaved with her daughter on the pretext of warning her for coming late to school. 

“The school has a procedure for latecomers. They need to meet the principal and sign a diary. He has been accused of touching the student inappropriately,” said the investigation officer. 

The victim’s mother began suspecting something was wrong when her daughter refused to go to school for the past couple of days. When she was asked repeatedly, the girl finally revealed the abuse she was subjected to in school. 

The girl’s mother said that she had initially approached an all-women police station, but they refused to register a complaint after which she, along with her neighbours, went to the school premises and staged a protest demanding the principal to be handed over to them. The police, however, said that when they asked the victim’s family to lodge a complaint, they initially refused to do so and that the cops had to convince them. 

On receiving information, Thuraipakkam Assistant Commissioner and the Neelankarai Inspector rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the protesters. While speaking to the media, the girl’s mother said that the principal should be severely punished. 

Jayabalan has been remanded in judicial custody. The school will remain closed till March 4.