Parents protesting in Bangalore after a 6-year-old was allegedly raped in school
July 2 was an average day at school for this first grade student in Bangalore, until 11:30 am, when she was allegedly 'punished' for misbehaving.
Reports suggest the six-year-old at the elite Vibgyor High School was asked to leave the class and stay in an empty room used for storing gym equipment. The child reportedly told her mother that was when she was assaulted.
She was allegedly raped by two gym instructors.
She reportedly returned to class 25 minutes later, looking uncomfortable. Hours later she complained of severe stomach pain.
Her mother would find out only seven days later.
When a private nursing home hinted that the child could have been sexually assaulted, the parents went to the police.
Parents of several schools in India's IT hub have taken to the streets demanding tough action, not just against the alleged attackers but also the school. Many of them are working parents who rarely worried about their children during school hours, before this.
Investigations have thrown up questions on the school's role. Parents ask why the little girl was locked up in an empty room. The school claims that she left the classroom to use the toilet. If so, why didn't her long absence alarm her teacher?
"I am worried about my child. She is in the same class. They say they do not know what has really happening," said Latha, who protested at the school on Thursday.
Angry protests forced school chairman Rustam Kerawalla to come out and assure parents of proper background checks on staff.
Three men were detained and the police say they will arrest the attackers soon, but it is not clear whether they have been identified.
There are 47 male staff in the school, many of them on contract for special training in swimming, dance and other activities. Some parents allege that the two gym instructors who appear to be the main accused even took pictures of girl students.