A three-year-old was allegedly assaulted at her school in Bengaluru
A three-year-old girl in Bengaluru was allegedly assaulted by a security guard working at her school, who has been arrested today.
The results are awaited of medical tests to determine whether the child was sexually attacked yesterday by the guard, who is from Kolkata. He was reportedly identified by the child and her sister, who studies at the same school.
Last year, Bangalore reported a series of cases of young girls being sexually assaulted in their schools, triggering a national debate on safety guidelines.
In this case, school officials deny that the assault took place within the campus. CCTV footage, handed over to the police, reveals nothing incriminating, said members of the school's management who did not wish to be named. They said the child was "cheerful and active" during the day, and was picked up by her father at noon.
The private school, which is 42 years old, was open today despite a group of protestors who gathered outside this morning.
Government officials visited the school for an assessment. Jacintha Lobo, chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, told NDTV, "As soon as the message came to us we rushed to the spot. ... we will be visiting the child also."
Shobha, whose daughter is enrolled in the school, broke down as she spoke to us. "If this happens in a school - it is so upsetting. Girls should be looked after properly."
Shiva Gurng, another parent said, "I am thinking I have to change the school. My child is very small and this seems very risky."
The police says that in this case, the school had working CCTVs, mandated as part of the new safety rules. The investigation is looking at whether other guidelines were followed, and if the guard's record and background had been verified by school officials with the police.