Madurai: In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, a class teacher at a government-aided school has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) for allegedly sexually assaulting seven students over a period of months.

The teacher is said to have repeatedly behaved inappropriately — using abusive language, making unwelcome advances, and engaging in physical conduct that falls within the definition of sexual assault under Section 7 of the Act.

When the students tried to raise the alarm, the school’s headmistress and assistant headmistress allegedly took steps to conceal the crime.

According to the police, the school authorities threatened the students, removed a classroom surveillance camera, and pressured the victims and their families by suggesting that the children be transferred if they insisted on speaking out.

Faced with harassment, the victims and their parents finally approached the police and lodged a formal complaint.

Subsequently, a case has been registered under Sections 7 and 8 of the POCSO Act — covering “sexual assault” and its punishment — and also under Section 296(B) of the BNS (presumably the state’s penal provisions).

The fact that the accused occupied a position of trust and authority within an educational institution makes this case particularly egregious; under the POCSO framework, any act of sexual assault by an authority figure exacerbates the offence.

At present, the teacher and the two school heads are yet to be arrested, while the investigation is ongoing.

(Child-safety advocates emphasise the importance of swift action: the POCSO Act mandates child-friendly processes, speedy trials, and protections for the minors who report abuse.)

(Any child in need of protection or care can contact the National Toll-Free Helpline 1098 to report abuse and seek support.)