Centre seeks report from Karnataka on rape of 6-year-old in Bangalore
Updated
New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI): HRD Minister Smriti Irani today expressed concern over the alleged rape of a six-year-old in a public school in Bangalore and her ministry has sought a report from Karnataka government about the incident.
The Secretary, School Education, R Bhattacharya also spoke to the Karnataka Chief Secretary in wake of the horrific incident that has triggered a massive outrage.
"The minister has expressed deep concern about the safety and security of children in the wake of the incident," said officials.
The minister also discussed with the Secretary strengthening of safety in schools, they added.
The six-year-old girl student was allegedly raped in a public school, triggering severe protests from outraged parents who stormed the institution demanding action against the guilty, suspecting involvement of the staffers.
"Karnataka has also been requested to send a detailed report as to how the school failed to honour the requirements of safety and security of children within the school, one of the critical responsibilities of the school management under the Right To Education Act," the official said.
The ministy is awaiting the details of the action taken by Karnataka government in this matter, the official said.
Earlier Report
Six-year-old allegedly raped in Bangalore school, angry parents protest
Bangalore, Jul 17 (NDTV): The alleged rape of a six-year-old at a prominent school in Bangalore has enraged the city and triggered massive protests by parents.
A large group of parents protested today outside the Vibgyor International School for hours demanding that the school take responsibility for their children's safety.
The school's chairman, Rustam Kerawala came out and promised more security. "We will install CCTVs and ensure background checks of staff," he told agitated parents, many among them working in Bangalore's booming IT sector.
Protesters tried to push through the gates of the school as a heavy contingent of police tried to restrain them. Broken glass at an office was cleared away by gloved staff.
"My child studies in Class 1 here. I don't even know whether I can send her to school," said a parent.
On July 2, the six-year-old child, a student of Class 1, was allegedly raped by two gym instructors during school hours.
The incident was reported a week later and the alleged attackers were arrested but parents say the school should own responsibility for failing to protect the child.
The anger has snowballed with many schools in the city declaring that they can't be held responsible for the child's safety. They have asked parents to sign a form agreeing to this.
The form says that when a child participates in events organized by the school - including field trips, excursions and camps - the school's staff or teachers can't be held responsible for "damage to loss of property, sickness or injury from 'whatever source' legal entanglements, loss of life or money..."
"We collectively refuse to sign such a form," a parent said, adding, "My child spends 6-7 hours in school. I am at work. If the school doesn't protect her, then how can I send her to school?"
This is the second incident this month that has raised questions about the safety of children in schools in one of India's most cosmopolitan cities. Last week, another six-year-old in another school was picked up from school by her own aunt who later murdered her over a family dispute.