Sonai: Principal Held For Molesting Minor Student, Protesters Demand No Bail

Sonai Police have arrested the principal of a local school on charges of molesting a Class 6 student, with the incident sparking strong reactions across the area. The accused has been identified as Dr S. Gnanavel, principal of Sonai APJ Senior Secondary School and a resident of South India.

According to the complaint, the principal called the girl to his private room at around 2 pm on Wednesday after classes ended, on the pretext of handing over a copy. He then allegedly touched her inappropriately. The girl left the room in tears and told a woman she met on the way about what had happened. As the incident became known, angry locals caught hold of the accused, assaulted him and handed him over to the police.

A large number of villagers, including members of the Tribal Women’s Association from the Natun Ramnagar area of East Sonai, gathered outside Sonai Police Station and staged a protest demanding strict punishment for the accused. Speaking to the media, a member of the Women’s Society demanded that the accused not be granted bail given the nature of the crime. Protesters also praised the police for acting swiftly.

The incident has caused concern among parents, who have called for ensuring student safety in educational institutions and demanded strict legal action if the accused is found guilty.

Sonai Police confirmed a case has been registered and the investigation is underway. Further action will be taken based on evidence gathered, police said.