The headmaster and two teachers of a government higher secondary school in Salem district were arrested on Friday for failing to report a sexual assault that occurred on the school premises to the Education Department and the police.

On Thursday, three Class XI boys of the school were arrested for sexually assaulting a Class VII girl. Though the incident took place on January 22, the class teacher allegedly obtained letters of apology from the boys and let them go without informing the higher authorities or the police.

It is also alleged that the school’s Parents Teachers Association president, Jothi, along with other teachers, conducted a ‘katta’ panchayat (kangaroo court) with the survivor’s parents, delaying the filing of a complaint. The issue came to light on February 11 when Childline 1098 was alerted. Soon, Malarkodi, inspector of the All Women Police Station at Attur, held inquiries at the school. On Thursday, Attur DSP K.C. Sathish Kumar questioned the headmaster, the class teacher, and other staff members. Thereafter, the headmaster and the two teachers were taken to the police station. A case has been registered.

Meanwhile, a team led by AIADMK Salem Urban District secretary R. Elangovan, along with Rajya Sabha member N. Chandrasegharan and AIADMK legislators, met Collector R. Brindha Devi and Superintendent of Police Gautam Goyal. They submitted petitions demanding action against Jothi, who is a DMK functionary.

They demanded compensation and protection for the survivor.