Thoothukudi: Nine Class VIII Students Held Under POCSO for Harassing Schoolmate

Nine Class VIII students of a government higher secondary school in a village in Thoothukudi district have been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, on charges of sexually harassing a fellow Class VIII student. Five of the accused were taken into custody on Tuesday, and four more were arrested on Wednesday, police said.

The arrests follow a complaint filed by the parents of the victim at the Vilathikulam All Women Police Station. According to police, the nine students allegedly harassed the boy repeatedly since they were in Class VII. They also reportedly threatened him with further harassment if he told his parents or teachers about the incidents.

A few days ago, the victim was allegedly harassed again on the school premises. A teacher who became aware of the incident informed the boy's parents, who then approached the police. The complaint was registered under the relevant sections of the POCSO Act, which provides for stringent punishment for sexual offences against children.

All nine accused, being minors, were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. They were lodged at the observation home for boys in Tirunelveli on Tuesday and Wednesday, police confirmed. The observation home is a temporary shelter for children in conflict with the law, pending inquiry by the Board.

The case highlights the issue of peer-to-peer sexual harassment in schools. While the law treats all children as victims or accused under a protective framework, the POCSO Act mandates that cases be handled with sensitivity. Police said further investigation is under way, including statements from the victim, teachers, and other students.

Since the accused are juveniles, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, governs the proceedings. The Board will assess the circumstances and decide on rehabilitation measures. Police have not disclosed the identity of either the victim or the accused, in line with legal provisions that protect the privacy of children involved in such cases.

The district administration has been alerted, and counselling support for the victim may be provided through the school or child welfare authorities. Local officials have urged parents and teachers to remain vigilant and encourage open communication so that such incidents are reported early.