Girl, 6, fondled

"Taken from our C R I M E section."

A WARRANT has been issued for the arrest of a primary schoolteacher from Central Trinidad after he allegedly fondled a six-year-old girl in a classroom. Up to late yesterday, the teacher was still being sought by the officers.

A report was made against the teacher by the mother of the girl who visited the Couva Police Station three weeks ago. Yesterday, police said they believe the suspect was on the run from the law, due to his disappearance since the report was lodged.

Newsday was told when officers visited the primary school on Wednesday, they were told the teacher had taken extended vacation and is due back for the September term. According to police investigators yesterday, the girl and her mother went to the Couva Police station and reported the matter.

The report stated the child was walking with her classmates into her classroom after the recess break when the teacher called her to his table.

The teacher is alleged to have placed his hand under her uniform and fondled her for almost a minute.

He then instructed the girl to go to her desk and do some drawing in her book, a police report said. Police investigators said the girl told her mother about the incident after she returned home from school.

District medical officer Dr Mahabir examined the girl. Couva police are continuing investigations.

A report has also been made to the Education Ministry which launched an investigation.