Headmaster sentenced to 55 years in sexual abuse case

The incident happened on March 13, 2011, when a section of parents of girl students studying at a Government High school at Podhumbu near Madurai had filed a sexual abuse complaint against the headmaster of the school, S Arockyasamy. 

Based on the complaint, a case of sexual abuse was filed against Arockyasamy by Alanganallur police. 

When police carried out an investigation, they found that 90 students including 14 boys, were subjected to sexual abuse by Arockyasamy. Based on the investigation, Arockyasamy was suspended. 

Following that, the case was conducted in Mahila Court but based on the petition of AIDWA Madurai district Secretary Ponnuthai at Madurai bench of Madras High Court, the case was shifted to a special court under Scheduled Castes/Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as dalit students were also victims. 

In the trial, however only 65 students deposed before the court while the remaining 25 students refused. After the completion of the trial, the judgment was pronounced by Judge R Shanmugasundaram, on Tuesday. 

In the judgment, under Section 3(1)(x) of SC/ST Act, 25 years’ imprisonment was given to Arockyasamy for sexually abusing five dalit girls. Similarly, under Section 354 of the IPC, 30 years of imprisonment was given to Arockyasamy for sexually abusing 15 non-dalit students. The two punishments had to be served concurrently. 

A total fine of Rs 12,32,500 had to be paid by Arockyaraj and the fine would be given to the victims as compensation.