Mumbai: The deeply disturbing incident at a Shahapur school, where girls were allegedly subjected to forced to strip and physical examinations related to menstruation, the State Women's Commission has taken serious note of a disturbing incident and demand swift justice, protects students future. The school remains closed following public outrage.
According to sources, after bloodstains were found in a restroom, the Shahapur school administration allegedly summoned several girls—mostly from Classes 5 to 10—for questioning. Some students were allegedly asked if they were menstruating, while a few were reportedly forced to remove their underwear for inspection.
The Shahapur Police have filed a case against eight individuals in connection with the incident. Five people, including the school principal, have been arrested and remanded to police custody until July 15. The remaining three are currently undergoing police interrogation.
While two school trustees have been named in the First Information Report (FIR), parents are vehemently demanding that two other trustees also be implicated, citing alleged past incidents.
Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the State Women's Commission, visited Shahapur on Thursday, meeting with parents and subsequently gathering information from senior officials of the Education Department and police regarding the ongoing investigation.
Chakankar stated that while the Education Department will proceed with revoking the school's recognition due to the objectionable incident, it must take immediate action to ensure students' academic futures are not harmed.
She also instructed the police to hold a meeting with parents and the Education Department to understand parental complaints and conduct a thorough investigation. Furthermore, she directed them to expedite the probe and file a chargesheet promptly.
An inspection by the Education Officer revealed several serious irregularities at the school, including the absence of a Complaint Redressal Committee and the "Sakhi Savitri Committee" existing only as a register entry.
The principal, who is an accused in this grave incident, has been suspended. Following the inspection, the Education Officer has sent a proposal to the Education Department to revoke the school's recognition.
Chakankar clarified that because the school's de-recognition could negatively impact the children's education, instructions have been given to the Education Officer to initiate steps for the school to resume operations independently starting Monday.
She also advised the administration to ensure all girls who underwent the humiliating physical examination receive counseling from the Child Welfare Committee, considering their mental well-being.
An FIR has been lodged under Sections 74 and 76 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 11 (sexual harassment), 12 (punishment for sexual harassment), and 21 (punishment for failure to report or record a case) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
