Kerala motivational speaker arrested for ‘attempt to sexually assault’ minor girl seeking counselling

A retired higher secondary school principal was arrested in Kannur district of Kerala for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a 17-year-old girl who had come to him for counselling, the police said on Tuesday (February 24, 2026).

The accused, K.C. Shaju (59), who is also a motivational speaker, was arrested by the Muzhakkunnu police on Monday and produced before the Mattannur Judicial First Class Magistrate Court. The court remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days.

The police said the incident took place about four months ago at the accused’s house in the Muzhakkunnu area, where the girl had gone seeking counselling support.

A case was registered following a complaint, after which an investigation was carried out.

After retiring from service as a higher secondary school principal, Mr. Shaju was working as a State-level faculty member for Career Guidance and Adolescent Counselling under the Higher Secondary Education department.

The police said further investigation was under way.