The management of Azaan International School in Tolichowki where a four-and-a-half-year-old was allegedly raped last week has owned up to the incident and offered to support the child.
Expressing regret, representatives of the management condemned the incident and said they will bear medical expenses and support the child’s education till she completes high school. The management also offered ₹ 5 lakh in fixed deposit as compensation.
Asked if the child will return to the school, they said the matter has not been discussed with the parents who they have contacted.
The child was allegedly raped by a school supervisor, Mohammed Jeelani, on Friday. The school and its staff came under mob attack after the child’s family approached police. Until late on Tuesday, a posse of policemen was deployed outside the school. “We have been cooperating with the police. We also understand that we have to strengthen our security measures,” said Nayyar Faroza, the school’s correspondent.
The management’s representatives denied that they were absconding, and said they were being sheltered from a mob that attempted to attack them.
Meanwhile, the school’s management responded to the District Education Officer’s notice launching a probe into the incident on Tuesday, following which a report was submitted to Hyderabad District Collector. The report is said to contain details of permits and observations of security set up at the school, and is expected to steer the course of the education department’s actions in the matter.
Balala Hakkula Sangham, which fights for child rights protection, organised a silent protest at Necklace Road demanding the school’s closure, citing negligence, and immediate action against the suspect. The police had said it would ask for the trial to be expedited in a fast-track court.
