Following a nudge from the Bombay high court, Mumbai police commissioner has transferred the investigation into the case of alleged sexual assault on a three-and-half- year-old in her school’s washroom. The high-profile school is located in Malad (W).
The girl alleged that she was inappropriately touched by a "monster" in the school’s washroom, where she was taken by a female staff member, whom she called ‘didi’. The "monster" was none other than a teacher in the school who was clearly identified by the little girl.
A bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Rajesh Patil, on July 9, took on record the office order issued by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) directing the crime branch, Unit 11, to collect the papers related to the case from Bangur Nagar police station and “start further investigation”.
“The joint commissioner of police has also directed the deputy commissioner of police (Prevention-I) of the crime branch to have a plan of enquiry in that behalf,” the court noted in its order.
The HC was hearing a petition filed by the minor’s mother seeking the transfer of the investigation into the case from Bangur Nagar police station. She has accused the Bangur Nagar police of handling the case in an insensitive and lackadaisical manner.
According to the petition, the child returned from school on February 13, complaining of pain in her genitals. Upon examination, her mother noticed redness. When asked, the minor described that a "monster” had touched her inappropriately in the school washroom. The mother immediately visited the school where her daughter attends daycare. The principal, along with the school nurse, also noted the redness. However, initial CCTV footage only showed common washroom areas and failed to clarify the incident.
The mother alleged that when she went to lodge an FIR, the officers at Bangur Nagar police station attempted to dissuade her from filing a complaint, questioning the reliability of a child’s testimony. After persistent efforts, the FIR was finally registered, and the child was taken to Cooper Hospital, where a medical examination further indicated sexual assault.
The petition further claims that despite medical reports suggesting a history of abuse, police have not thoroughly analyzed CCTV footage. The mother also alleged that multiple male staff members were seen near the washroom and sick bay, contradicting the school’s claim that men were not allowed in those areas.
The mother also accused the investigating officer, Swati Suryavanshi, an inspector attached to Bangur Nagar police station, of repeatedly pressuring her to take her daughter to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) despite senior officials stating it was not mandatory. Additionally, she alleged that statements given to the police were altered multiple times and that officers initially refused to provide her with a copy of her own statement.
