Teacher suspended over sexual harassment charges

Karur: A govt middle school teacher in Kadavur near Karur has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment involving students. Sources said Murugan, 53, teacher at Varavanai union govt middle school, handled classes I to III. Complaints against him surfaced after students and parents held a sit-in protest on the Karur–Manapparai road on Tuesday. The protesters alleged that the teacher frequently attended school under the influence of alcohol, verbally abused children, and engaged in inappropriate behaviour amounting to sexual harassment. The agitation caused disruption to traffic for some time, with parents demanding immediate arrest of the teacher and transfer of the headmaster. Police and officials rushed to the spot and held talks with the protesters, assuring them that strict action would be taken based on an inquiry. Following this assurance, the protesters dispersed.Hours after the protest, the district education department placed the teacher under suspension pending further investigation. Officials from the school education department confirmed that a formal complaint has also been lodged with police. The complaint was filed by the district child protection officer after conducting a preliminary inquiry into the allegations. Police said further investigation is underway.