The Byculla police on Monday arrested a female peon of a school in Mazgaon for allegedly molesting a four-year-old girl student.
The offence occurred a week ago, when the peon allegedly took the student to the bathroom in the school and touched her inappropriately. The victim had since then been reluctant to go to school, and, after repeated inquiries by her parents, finally confided in them about the molestation. Parents took the girl to hospital, where sexual assault was confirmed.
“We registered a complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The accused was brought to the police station, and arrested after the victim identified her,” Senior Police Inspector Avinash Shingte said.
“We registered a complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The accused was brought to the police station, and placed under arrest after the victim identified her,” Senior Police Inspector Avinash Shingte said.
School authorities said that they would assist the police in the investigation. The school’s principal said, “The peon has been suspended and we have requested the police to take any action that they deem necessary in the case.”
Meanwhile, as news about the incident spread, parents of several other students reached the school, and a meeting with the teachers was held to discuss the issue.
MLA Waris Pathan of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen also reached the spot. However, the parents asked him to stay out of the matter. They claimed that the school authorities were cooperating with them and that the matter should not be politicised. Mr. Pathan met with the school principal and the police officers.
