A group of outfits led by Dalit Liberation Movement (DLM), would stage a protest here on Thursday pressing for removal of the controversial principal of the Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary (TTS) in Madurai.
Dalit Gnanasekaran, general secretary, DLM, alleged that despite several sex abuse complaints against Rev Gnanavaram, his continuing as principal of TTS showed that he was being protected by the Church hierarchy. Dalit organisations have decided to stage a protest in Chennai to exert pressure on the College Governing Council Chairman and CSI Bishop Rev Devasagayam. They also want the State government to speed up the police probe against Gnanavaram.
Gnanasekaran said that grave charges of sexual abuse have been made against the principal several times by girl students. But, only recently a victim came forward to lodge a police complaint. SS Colony police in Madurai had registered a sexual assault case against Gnanavaram. “Neither the police nor the college management have taken any action against Gnanavaram,” he said.