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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 on charges of sexually harassing a schoolmate.While five of them were arrested on Tuesday (September 1, 2026), four others were arrested on Wednesday (September 2). The action followed a complaint lodged by the parents of the victim, also a Class VIII student, at the Vilathikulam All Women Police Station.According to the police, the nine students had allegedly been repeatedly sexually harassing the victim since they were in Class VII. They had also allegedly threatened him with further harassment if he informed his parents or teachers about the incidents.A few days ago, the students allegedly harassed the victim again on the school premises. A teacher who came to know of the incident informed the boy’s parents, following which they lodged a complaint with the police.All nine students were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and lodged at the observation home for boys in Tirunelveli on Tuesday and Wednesday.Further investigation is under way. Published - September 03, 2026 09:04 pm IST
