Sonai: The principal of a private senior secondary school in Assam’s Cachar district was arrested on Wednesday following allegations that he sexually harassed a Class 6 girl student inside his office.

Dr S. Gnanavel, principal of Sonai APJ Senior Secondary School and a native of South India, was taken into custody by Sonai Police after a formal complaint was lodged by the victim’s family.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred around 2 pm on Wednesday, July 1, when the principal allegedly called the minor girl to his personal chamber and molested her.

News of the alleged molestation quickly spread through the locality, triggering strong protests by local residents. Enraged locals reportedly detained the principal, assaulted him, and later handed him over to the police. Demonstrators raised slogans demanding strict punishment for the accused and submitted a written complaint to the authorities.

Sonai Police have registered a case and initiated further investigation. The accused is currently in police custody. The incident has caused widespread outrage in the area, with residents calling for exemplary action to ensure the safety of students in educational institutions.