Mob ransacks school over 'sexual misconduct' by teacher

Chennai, Mar 19 (UNI) A private school located at suburban Adambakkam was ransacked by a mob following complaints of an eighth standard girl student sexually molested by a teacher who was later arrested by the police.

The parents and members of Muslim outfit, Tamil Nadu Towheed Jamat, laid siege to the school premises after the management of the Montford High School tried to cover up the issue.

Jamat sources told UNI Mariajoseph Michael, who was taking English and Yoga classes, had been indulging in such acts for the last three months and had even threatened to ''fail'' the girl if she complained.

Headmaster Arokiyaraj, who was also reportedly indulging in similar acts, had refused to take action despite repeated complaints from the parents.

Hearing the news, activists of the Jamat laid a siege and staged a demonstration in front of the school demanding arrest of the teacher and the headmaster, when a 100-strong mob, including parents of the students and locals, barged into the school and ransacked it for nearly an hour.

Windowpanes, doors, laboratory equipments and furnitures were damaged. Some of the incensed parents also took their wards home.

Police rushed to the spot and restored order. The situation was tense but under control, police said.

Meanwhile, police and Jamat sources said the teacher had a known history of misconduct and he had misbehaved with several girl students.

Police registered a case and arrested the teacher while the headmaster was taken into custody for interrogation.

UNI GV GM SW KN1644