Action likely against Malampuzha school authorities for hushing up sexual abuse incident

Crime Branch officers investigating the alleged sexual abuse of a Class VI student by a teacher at Malampuzha have found that the school authorities suppressed the incident for several days even after the child revealed the abuse.

Police sources said action would be initiated against the school authorities for failing to report the case. The investigation team has summoned the headmaster and management representatives of the school for questioning.

Upper primary school teacher Anil allegedly abused the boy at his quarters after giving him liquor on November 29. The child revealed the incident to a friend on December 18.

Although the school authorities became aware of the incident the same day, they failed to report it to the police or any child welfare agency.

Cover-up

On December 19, the school management attempted to cover up the case by taking action against the teacher. The police, having learned of the incident, arrived at the school to investigate. It was only then that the school authorities approached Childline to register a complaint.

Police said that the school authorities would be held accountable for concealing the abuse and trying to protect the accused.

The abused boy’s friend had informed his mother, and the abuse came to light through her.

The accused was presented in a court here and remanded. The school authorities said the teacher was dismissed from service.