Stressful welcome for kids at school hit by mob fury

It was a sugar-coated welcome for students at the Venkateshwara Vidya Samsthe at Hosaguddadahalli near Byatarayanapura on Monday.

The school had remained closed since January 7, when it witnessed mob violence over the alleged molestation of a seven-year-old girl student by a physical education teacher. The mob had also assaulted the teacher.

While there was apprehension in the eyes of some, a few others were looking for a fresh start as they received chocolates given by public representatives. However, what followed was not so pleasant.

They may have expected that the classes will resume. But, it was a day of toiling as they were asked to clear dirt, broken equipment, pieces of glass from the windows, burnt materials, as soon as they arrived. 

“The school had enough time to clear the debris. Why get it done from children,” asked a parent.

On speaking to neighbours, it became clear that the children were also made to wash utensils and clean the premises after the lunch hour. 

“This is almost a daily affair in the school. How fair is it on the part of the school authorities to make children do all this?” they said.  

Parents questioned as to why no representative from the Education department turned up to instil confidence among the children. 

H R Umesh Aradhya, president of the Karnataka State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, said, “It is certainly condemnable. This is violation of child rights. Action will be initiated against anyone doing so.”

“Following such a horrifying incident, it was the duty of the school to ensure that a friendly environment is created for the children. It is a sad situation to send children back to school when all that reminds them of the happenings lie around,” said Vasudeva Sharma, director of Child Rights Trust.