More primary students step forward with molestation charges
As more primary schoolgirls step forward to say they were victims of alleged molestation by teacher Anupan Kuijard, Ban Kluay Municipality School director Kasamaporn Buapiban said yesterday that the accused has been suspended from civil service by the Muang Chai Nat Municipality to make way for investigation.
Another source reported that this case could involve at least 24 young victims.
Kasamaporn, who is part of the fact-finding committee, said they were working on the case and had interviewed some students and parents. She also vowed to ensure justice and proceed with disciplinary action against the 41-year-old so he is not allowed to teach at this or any other school if found guilty. She said the school would also go ahead with revoking his teaching licence later.
She said the school will also provide remedial measures for the affected students and their parents, and will table the matter at upcoming meetings with parents. Kasamaporn went on to say that this unprecedented case should not damage the school and its teachers’ good image.
The case came to light when the parents of a 12-year-old filed a police complaint on February 10 alleging that the teacher had molested their child and 10 others for several months.
Meanwhile, Chai Nat police superintendent Pol Colonel Chatpimuk Meemuk said the accused surrendered on Sunday morning after the provincial court issued an arrest warrant for him. However, he maintained innocence when told that he faced the charge of molesting a minor under the age of 15, which is punishable by seven to 20 years in prison.
Since Sunday, the suspect has been under court-approved detention for 12 days, though he has the right to seek temporary release, the officer said. Chaipimuk added that police was gathering witnesses and evidence, which should be ready in 15 days.