Published Jun 09, 2025 | 7:13 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 09, 2025 | 7:13 PM
Child sexual abuse. (iStock)
Synopsis: A male warden at a government-run hostel in Chitlapakkam, near Tambaram, has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a Class 8 student. The accused, Matthew, was booked under four legal sections after a village officer’s complaint. The survivor, a minor staying at the hostel due to family issues, is hospitalized with a leg fracture. Authorities confirmed the harassment during investigation
A male warden at a government-run hostel in Chitlapakkam near Tambaram has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a Class 8 student.
The accused, identified as Matthew, was taken into custody after a complaint was filed by the Vellangkuli Village Administrative Officer.
The survivor, a minor girl residing in the hostel due to family circumstances, is currently undergoing treatment for a leg fracture at a local hospital. During the investigation, authorities confirmed the allegations, and a case was registered under four sections of the law.
Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Minister Geetha Jeevan, addressing the media, condemned the incident and outlined immediate steps taken by the government.
“This government service home functions under the Social Welfare Department, offering shelter, education, and vocational training to children in need. Following the incident, we visited the girl and her mother, who requested confidentiality regarding the child’s identity,” she said.
She further confirmed that the male warden was arrested and remanded, and that three female wardens would be appointed to replace male staff at the facility.
“The incident reportedly occurred when the cook had stepped out, leaving the girl alone. We are taking this very seriously. CCTV installation in all hostels is being expedited to ensure safety,” she added.
Minister Geetha Jeevan called the incident “deeply unfortunate” and announced that, going forward, only women will be appointed as wardens in government- and NGO-run hostels across Tamil Nadu.
Opposition leader and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami strongly criticized the DMK government’s handling of safety in state-run facilities.
“When even a Class 8 girl isn’t safe in a government service home, it’s clear the Stalin-led government has failed,” he said. He also took aim at the Chief Minister, stating, “You talk about Delhi being out of control—but when will you control the sexual predators in your own administration?”
Palaniswami demanded the strictest legal action against the accused, proper medical care for the survivor, and accountability from the DMK government.
Concluding his statement, he declared, “@mkstalin, as Chief Minister, you should hang your head in shame.”
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
