HYDERABAD: The alleged incident of a high school boy sexually assaulting a class 2 student at the girl’s washroom during school hours, nearly two weeks ago, in a city school, have once again raised serious questions about school management’s responsibility.
It has also been learnt that a girl of class 6 of the same school had alleged harassment at the hands of her male teacher about two months ago and later he has been transferred for his actions.
Police found the CCTV cameras installed in the school have not recorded any footage since April this year. There are as many as 16 CCTV cameras on the corridors and other places, but those are not working, Malkajgiri DCP Rama Rajeshwari said.
Parents, who gathered outside the DAV Public School, Neredmet, on Monday afternoon wondered why have the school authorities failed to take action or even identify the culprit. “Are they trying to cover up the issue? Where was the maid-woman when this high school boy was entering the washroom meant for primary students?,” asked Aarthi Bhaskar, whose two daughters study in the school.
School principal Seethakiran explained that the victim had failed to identify the boy. “She only recalls that the boy was wearing full pants. Based on which we are sensitising and counselling boys from classes 8-10,’’ she said. According to her, the parents of the victim had requested to keep the issue away from the outside world.
Academic coordinator Vasundhara said, “During activity period, usually children use the loo of their convenience. A boy has strayed into one of the washrooms.” Further she added, “The principal has even issued a circular earlier prohibiting students from using mobile phones inside the school but parents force students to carry mobile phones for their convenience.”