Parents demand action against school management

The father of the sexual assault victim said several parents had gathered near the sch­ool on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

He added, “Several of them expressed support to our family. We want action against the principal and management for trying to sweep the matter under the rug,” he added.

He said that when the mother had approached director Dr Veena Ashok, she refused to acknowledge the incident and asked the mother to take any action she wished. “The very next day, she came to the police station and lodged a complaint against the suspect. Why was she silent when the incident was reported first?” questioned the father. In a complaint to the police, a copy of which is with DH, the parents have sought action against the principal, administrative staff and housekeeping staff who are responsible for taking care of the child.

“Dr Veena, under her jurisdiction, has allowed all of this in her school.  She is more responsible for letting such an horrendous incident take place in a reputed organisation with a chain of franchisees across India,” the parents have said in the complaint.

They have sought closure of the school, demanded counsellors or psychologists for children at the school’s cost and refund of school fees and treatment of children.

Kripa Alva, chairperson, Karnataka State Committee for Protection of Child Rights said she would visit the school and seek action against the management if required. In the wake of the frequent incidents of sexual abuse in play schools, the Karnataka State Committee for Protection of Child Rights will ask the Integrated Child Development Services under the department of women and child development to list the playschools in the state and give an update on the licence renewal and facilities.