CHENNAI: Controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the perceived silence of prominent political figures, including Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi and Chief Minister MK Stalin, regarding recent allegations of sexual assault and misconduct in minority-run schools. Accusations of double standards have emerged as critics note the lack of response from leaders of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its allies, who are typically outspoken on such issues in other regions. The incident has raised questions about political and media responses when the accused parties are linked to minority communities.
In the latest case, a physical education teacher, Pon Singh (42), at Salma Matric Higher Secondary School in Udankudi near Thiruchendur, was arrested along with Principal Charles Sweety and Secretary Ahmad. The arrests followed allegations that Singh had sexually harassed girl students during a district-level athletic camp in Thoothukudi in late October. Reports indicate that he allegedly spiked students’ soft drinks with alcohol and proceeded to exploit them. The issue came to light after students confided in their parents, who subsequently filed complaints, resulting in arrests and a police investigation.
Alleged Cover-Up and Health Claims Raise Questions
The case took a turn when both the principal and the secretary, after being remanded to judicial custody, reported chest pain and were transferred to Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital. This pattern, wherein politically-connected or accused individuals claim health issues post-arrest, has drawn public skepticism. Many believe these claims are being used as a tactic to avoid detention, and in this case, parents’ protests compelled authorities to move swiftly.
Following the arrests, parents of the victims raised their voices, protesting against the perceived leniency and inaction surrounding the case. These protests played a role in expediting police action, leading to arrests under charges of negligence and failure to protect students from abuse.
Public Outcry Over Media and Political Silence
The incident has attracted substantial attention on social media, where critics highlight the limited coverage in local news outlets and the absence of condemnation from key DMK leaders, including Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. MP Kanimozhi, a self-described advocate for women’s rights, has also come under fire for her silence. The Tamil Nadu media, often vocal on sexual harassment cases occurring in other parts of India, has been accused of selectively downplaying cases linked to minority-run institutions. In this instance, reports surfaced without naming the school or highlighting the identities of the accused, a practice that some argue reflects bias.
In previous cases outside of Tamil Nadu, DMK leaders and their allies have condemned similar incidents and organized public protests. Observers point out that DMK leaders took strong stands and organized candlelight vigils in instances where similar crimes occurred in other states.
A Recurring Pattern of Alleged Misconduct
This case is part of a string of recent allegations and arrests involving staff in minority-run institutions in Tamil Nadu. In August, a man named Sivaraman, linked to Naam Tamizhar Katchi, was found guilty of organizing fake NCC camps across multiple schools, during which he allegedly sexually assaulted girls aged 10 to 13. The incident led to his arrest; he later died by suicide while in custody, and his father also died in a subsequent road accident. Following the case, the Madras High Court criticized the Tamil Nadu government for inadequately managing the welfare of the affected children, calling for improvements to prevent such cases in the future.
In another high-profile case from September, Dr. S. Samson Daniel, a doctor in Palakkarai, Tiruchy, was arrested for allegedly misbehaving with girl students under the pretense of medical exams at a health camp. His mother, S. Grace Sagayarani, who was the principal of a minority-run, government-aided school, was also detained for allegedly enabling the misconduct.
Cases of sexual assault and misconduct involving staff members of minority-run institutions have raised questions about the adequacy of policies safeguarding student welfare. Recently, the Madras High Court ordered a CBI investigation into an unrelated case involving a 10-year-old girl in Chennai after expressing doubts about the Tamil Nadu police’s handling of the matter. The Supreme Court later appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take over the probe, citing concerns over possible mishandling by state authorities.
Civil Society and Religious Groups Demand Moral Education
Hindu Munnani, a conservative Hindu organisation, has openly criticized the lack of moral instruction in schools, noting that such classes were discontinued by former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi of the DMK. In response to the recent allegations, Hindu Munnani has called for the reintroduction of moral education, which it believes could discourage improper behavior among educators and students alike. The organization referenced a statement by its founder, Rama Gopalan, emphasising the role of moral teachings in shaping the values of young individuals.
In a social media post, Hindu Munnani decried the “double standards” of politicians and the media, pointing out that perpetrators’ identities and affiliations are often concealed when they are from minority-run institutions. Members of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) also condemned the recent cases, stating, “Teachers are supposed to protect students, and abuse by those in such trusted positions is wholly unacceptable.”
The Way Forward: Addressing Bias and Ensuring Accountability
The DMK-led government has faced criticism from civil rights activists and parents’ groups who demand consistency in addressing sexual abuse cases, regardless of institutional affiliations. Many advocate for stricter enforcement of child protection laws and greater transparency in how the government handles cases involving schools and institutions run by both minority and majority communities. Some groups have also called for legislative reforms to ensure that all educational institutions are held to the same standards, emphasizing that selective silence weakens the fight for justice.
