Coimbatore teacher arrested after student commits suicide, alleging sexual assault

Shortly after a Class 12 student committed suicide in Coimbatore, a 31-year old physics teacher in her school at RS Puram has been arrested after unverified Whatsapp audio chats and messages went viral, suggesting the teacher had sexually assaulted two other students in his class.

The arrested man has been identified as Mithun Chakravarthi. Based on the complaint lodged by the victim' s father, the police registered a case under section 306 (Abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 9 (1) ('Whoever commits sexual assault on the child more than once or repeatedly') read with 10 (Punishment for aggravated sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The police have also arrested the headmistress of the private school in which the girl studied in, for allegedly ignoring the complaints of sexual abuse put forth by students. The Class 12 student is also said to have committed suicide due to ongoing sexual harassment. Police have also found a handwritten note that points to the involvement of two others although the investigation is ongoing.

"Perversion of a few has snatched away a student's life. Schools ought to ensure there is no sexual harassment. We would present the perpetrators before law and ensure women safety," said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin in a statement.