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A horrifying incident of sexual assault and harassment has come to light in Tamil Nadu, exposing the vulnerabilities of trusting individuals and institutions. A fake National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp, organized by Sivaraman, the district youth wing secretary of Naam Tamilar Katchi, took place at a private school in Krishnagiri district earlier this month. This camp, deceptively presented as a training program for obtaining an NCC unit sanction, turned into a nightmare for the students involved.
Sivaraman, along with his associates, including a retired CRPF sub-inspector, manipulated the school administration by showcasing photos and videos from previous unauthorized training sessions. The school, eager to gain an NCC unit, neglected to verify the credentials of Sivaraman and his team, ultimately falling prey to their deceitful scheme. The camp, which ran from August 5th to August 9th, involved 41 students, including 17 girls. During this time, the girls were housed on the upper floor while boys occupied the ground floor.
The training program included night shifts where students were assigned to guard the school compound in groups. It was during one of these shifts that Sivaraman sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl. The victim bravely reported the assault to the school principal, Sathish Kumar, but instead of taking immediate action to protect her, he, along with the school correspondent and two teachers, chose to cover up the crime. The girl eventually confided in her mother, who in turn contacted the police. This report prompted an investigation, leading to the arrests of Sivaraman, his associates, the principal, the school correspondent, and the two teachers.
The investigation uncovered further disturbing information. It was revealed that Sivaraman and his group had conducted similar unauthorized training sessions at three other schools in Krishnagiri, successfully deceiving them with their fabricated credentials. These schools are now also under investigation. Following the police investigation, Sivaraman attempted to flee but was apprehended in Coimbatore on Saturday. He currently remains hospitalized due to injuries sustained during his arrest.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked trust and the importance of rigorous vetting processes, especially when it comes to organizations involved with children. The school's negligence in verifying the credentials of Sivaraman and his group, coupled with the principal's appalling cover-up attempt, demonstrates a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of the students under their care. The authorities must take swift and decisive action against all those involved in this heinous act, ensuring justice is served for the victims and accountability is enforced across all levels.
The wider implications of this case extend beyond the immediate perpetrators. It highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance regarding the prevalence of fake organizations and individuals posing as legitimate institutions. Parents, educators, and the community as a whole must remain vigilant, engaging in proactive measures to protect children from such predatory behavior. It is essential to empower children to understand the dangers of manipulation and exploitation, encourage them to report any suspicious activities, and provide them with the resources and support they need to navigate such challenging situations.