Mumbai: A woman teacher from a well-known school in central Mumbai has been arrested along with her friend under POCSO Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy who was the student of the same school where the accused was working, police sources said.
The 38-year-old teacher, who is married with children, had allegedly been sexually assaulting the student along with her friend multiple times for over a year by pretending to offer him emotional support, taking him to luxury hotels, and giving him alcohol and anxiety medication.
The molestation and assault reportedly began during the school dance practice sessions, school sources said.
During the practice, the teacher picked up the boy, took him to a secluded location, and assaulted him, they said.
As per the complaint, the teacher allegedly provided the student with alcohol and anti-anxiety medicines without proper medical guidance. They also reportedly arranged his outings to luxury hotels, where they had several sexual encounters.
After regular sexual harassment, the student's behavioural changes raised concerns with his family, but they decided against reporting the incident, hoping it would resolve on its own as he neared graduation.
After leaving school earlier this year, the student fell into depression, and the situation worsened when the teacher attempted to contact him through the domestic staff. This prompted the family to file a complaint with the police.
The teacher and her friend have been arrested and remanded in police custody.
They are facing multiple charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, including rape, causing hurt by poison, criminal intimidation, and common intent under the IPC.
Police are now reviewing the teacher's past interactions with other students and examining her digital activities for any signs of inappropriate behaviour.