'Appears semi-naked during class...': Students of Chennai’s PSBB school start online campaign against teacher

Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, May 24

Several students and alumni of Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan School (PSBB) in Tamil Nadu have accused one of their teachers of allegedly making "sexual advances and sexually coloured remarks" at them.

This incident came to light after Kripali, alumni of the school, shared her ordeal on Instagram. 

She called out the teacher—who teaches Accountancy and Business Studies at the KK Nagar branch of the school—for interacting with students with sexual intent. 

The teacher was accused of touching students inappropriately, making comments on students bodies, slut-shaming students, asking a student out, turning up to online class topless, wearing just a towel around his waist, sharing links to pornography with his students. 

According to News Minute, in the experiences of students shared online, one student said:“...and even though I went and complained to the Dean about this, no action was taken against him…”

Following the allegations on Instagram, over 1,000 alumni of the school have written to the management, demanding action against the teacher.

The posts went viral within minutes. 

With this, more and more students have come forwards, and are now, sharing their own harrowing experiences anonymously. 

The staff of PSBB have written a letter to the school's dean demanding immediate suspension of the accused teacher. 

Responding to this issue, the Member of Parliament from Thoothukudi constituency, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi demanded immediate action by the school administration while she assured to take this issue to concerned authorities. 

Taking the issue to Twitter, She wrote: “The sexual harassment allegations against a commerce teacher in PSBB School, Chennai has been shocking. An inquiry should be conducted and action must be taken against those who are involved including school authorities who failed to act against the complaints from students. I promise to take this to the concerned authorities.”

"As a parent, I'm extremely horrified by the reports of sexual harassment by a teacher in #PadmaSeshadriBalaBhavan school, Chennai. It's of utmost importance to ensure a probe into the matter & accountability from the management to provide a safe environment for the children #PSBB," tweeted Dayanidhi Maran, another MP from the DMK.

The sexual harassment allegations against a commerce teacher in PSBB School,Chennai has been shocking. Inquiry should be conducted and action must be taken against those who are involved including school authorities who failed to act against the complaints from students. (1/3)

— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) May 24, 2021

Also, the founder of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), S Ramadoss, condemns the miscreant act of the teacher and demands stern action from the school, which the school is yet to comment on.

மாணவ, மாணவிகளுக்கு ஒழுங்கு பற்றி பாடம் நடத்தும் பள்ளிகள், தாய், தந்தையருக்கு அடுத்து கடவுளாக மதிக்கப்பட வேண்டிய ஆசிரியர்கள் அதற்கேற்ற வகையில் நடந்து கொள்கிறார்களா? என்பதை நிர்வாகம் கண்காணிக்க வேண்டும்; தவறு செய்தால் தண்டிக்க வேண்டும்!(2/2)#PROTECTOURCHILDREN

— Dr S RAMADOSS (@drramadoss) May 24, 2021

After a social media outrage, the school has finally commented on the issue. 

Assuring the parents of its students, the school said it has zero tolerance towards any behaviour that adversely affects the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of the students.

The school management also said these allegations were not brought to its notice earlier.

Following the allegation against the teacher, the school alumni have written to the management to take action against the alleged offender and suspend him immediately pending probe.

This is the second instance of sexual harassment complaint against a reputed educational institution here. The earlier one was the Loyola College.

Last year The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women ordered Chennai's Loyola College to pay Rs 64,30,000 to a former staffer towards damages for sexual harassment, mental agony and in back wages

Commenting on the issue, the school principal, Geeta Govindarajan issued a statement that says the school has zero tolerance towards the behaviour that affects the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of the school students.

PSBB is one of the premier institutions in Chennai, and has branches in Nungambakkam, KK Nagar, and Gerugambakkam. — With IANS

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.