In the wake of alleged sexual assaults on a government-aided school in Trichy and a fake NCC camp in the Krishnagiri district, Hindu Munnani (HM) has demanded DMK government to order for an audit of all missionary-run hostels immediately to ensure they operate within legal frameworks. The organization also calls for establishing a Christian Charities Department to oversee these institutions.
The demand follows the recent arrest of S. Grace Sagayarani, 54, and her son, Samson Daniel, 31, a government doctor, under the POCSO Act. They face charges related to the sexual assault of children at a government-aided school in Trichy. Reports allege that Grace Sagayarani allowed her son to abuse students, prompting a significant backlash against the DMK government.
On September 3, Dr S. Samson Daniel (31), employed as a doctor at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Anbil near Lalgudi, was arrested under the POCSO Act on allegations of sexually harassing and assaulting minor girls at a hostel affiliated with a government-aided school in Trichy. His mother, S. Grace Sagayarani (54), who is the headmistress of DELC Church-run Bishop Hyman Memorial Primary School, was also taken into custody for allegedly helping to cover up the crime. He frequently visited the school hostel under the pretence of conducting health checkups. During such visits, he is accused of inappropriately touching girls aged between five and ten. A concerned parent reported this abuse to the child line helpline, 1098.
In another incident, Sivaraman, who was arrested in the case of allegedly raping and sexually harassing a few schoolgirls by running a fake NCC camp in Krishnagiri district, died at a hospital on 23rd August. The fake NCC camp, conducted from August 5 to 9, was hosted at a private school which is alleged to be Kingsley Gardens Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Bargur Kanthikuppam locality with no official affiliation to the NCC. A total of 41 students including 17 girls took part in the camp. According to media reports, 30-year-old Sivaraman was arrested. He sexually assaulted 13 years old eighth standard girl on August 8. He is also suspected of the sexual harassment of a Class 11 girl during the camp. The Bargur All-Women’s Police booked Sivaraman under POCSO act. Now the DEO recommends appointment of Special Officer to administer school.
Following these incidents, Hindu Munnani, in a release, has condemned TN government for its alleged failure to address abuses in Christian missionary-run hostels. The organisation calls for decisive action against the individuals involved, including the headmistress of the affected school. They argue that despite the financial support provided by the government for educational purposes, severe issues of sexual harassment have surfaced.
Hindu Munnani said “Even if Appavu, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi , DMK MP A Raja, Vairamuthu and others vociferous in saying that it was Christians who provided better education and allowed all castes to study, are keep blind eyes of those who purportedly offer education has been exposed engaging in sexual harassment. In Trichy’s Melapudur area, female students have been victims of sexual harassment linked to the ruling DMK government’s minority vote. Therefore, the Tamil Nadu government should establish a Christian Charities Department to oversee church administration and regulate illegal activities, at least now.”
கிறிஸ்தவ மிஷனரிகளால் மாணவியர் விடுதிகளில்
தொடரும் அத்துமீறல்…மாணவிகளிடம் அத்துமீறிய பள்ளி தலைமை ஆசிரியை மற்றும் அவரது மகன் சாம்சன் டேனியல் மீது கடும் நடவடிக்கை எடு.!
மிஷனரிகள் நடத்தும் அனைத்து விடுதிகளையும் உடனடி ஆய்வு செய்திடு.!@CMOTamilnadu @mkstalin @tnpoliceoffl pic.twitter.com/H8nxuciyex
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) September 6, 2024
Hindu Munnani’s request for a comprehensive review and stricter monitoring of missionary-run institutions underscores increasing concerns about the regulation and safety of educational facilities in Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, police arrested an allopathic doctor S Saravanamoorthy (33) for molesting 12 girl students during a medical camp held at a government Higher School near Alandurai in Coimbatore district. The doctor, who was working with a private clinic, conducted free medical camps for school students in various places in the district,. During a meet held a couple of days ago to create on awareness on sexual harassment, bad and good touches etc. Around 12 girl students told teachers Dr Saravanamoorthy did not use the stethoscope and touched them inappropriately with bad intentions during the free medical check-up camp in the school premises.
On information, the District Child Welfare Committee carried out an inquiry and lodged a complaint with the Perur all women police station on 5th. The police also visited the school and spoke to the students, recording their statements, registered a case. They arrested the doctor under sections of POCSO act. He was remanded to judicial custody and lodged in the Coimbatore Central prison.
