Several minor girls from Classes 5 to 10 were allegedly forced to undress by teachers at a Maharashtra school for a menstruation check after blood stains were found in the bathroom, police said. The incident has sparked outrage among parents.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when the school principal reportedly called several girl students, mostly from Classes 5 to 10, to the school hall and showed them photographs of blood stains on the bathroom floor, which were allegedly taken by housekeeping staff.
Following this, the principal reportedly instructed the students to divide themselves into two groups — those who were menstruating and those who were not. A female peon was then asked to physically check some of the girls, aged between 10 and 12, who claimed they were not menstruating.
The female peon allegedly touched the undergarments of some girls during the checks and identified one student who was using a sanitary napkin, despite being in the group that claimed they were not menstruating. The principal then reportedly scolded the girl in front of other students and staff, causing her humiliation.
After learning about the incident from their children, angry parents gathered outside the school to protest. On Wednesday, they filed a formal complaint against the school management.
A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against six individuals, including the school principal, a peon, two teachers, and two trustees. The principal and the peon have been arrested, while police are currently investigating the involvement of the remaining four accused.
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