Female teacher fired amid probe for grooming an eighth grader

The female teacher accused of grooming a male eighth grader has been fired from her job at a school in southern Maldives.

The case was reported to the authorities on January 21, prompting a criminal investigation by the police.

An official from the Education Ministry confirmed to Sun on Monday morning that the teacher has since been dismissed from her job.

The police are also investigating a male teacher in a school in the greater Male’ area following allegations he repeatedly sexually abused one of his students.

Crimes against children are treated by the police as serious offenses. The law enforcement agency does not disclose the island where such crimes take place in order to protect the identity of victims.

Special Provisions Act to Deal with Child Sex Offenders, which declares special provisions to deal with child sex offenders both at investigative and trial stages, prescribes a prison sentence of 15 to 18 years, if the person who carried out the offense holds a position of authority over the victim.

Those with information regarding crimes against children are urged to call the Maldives Police Service’s Family and Child Protection Department at 3000600 or the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services’ helpline 1412.