Scores of parents protested outside a private school in Chennai on Thursday following allegations that a bus attendant had sexually abused kindergarten students, who travelled on his route. Accusing the school management of negligence, they demanded an explanation.
The sexual abuse allegations came to light after a three-and-a-half-year-old boy appeared reluctant to get into the bus in the morning. It was then that he told his parents that Baskaran, the attendant for the bus allegedly sexually abused him. Baskaran had also allegedly scared the children into silence, saying that they would get bitten by snakes and insects if they talked about it to their parents. Following this revelation, the parents and a few of their relatives allegedly beat up Baskaran and took him to the school.
Angered by the allegations, the parents questioned the school administration. However, parents allege that the school management did not respond to their questions. It was then that over 100 parents protested in front of the school gates, demanding that the school management respond to their questions.
A complaint was then filed at the Mangadu police station by the parents following which Baskaran was taken in for questioning and the situation was brought under control.
Parents have demanded that stringent action be taken against Baskaran and also the school for negligence.
Speaking to TNM, Poonamallee All Women Police Station Inspector Danny said that at least one other boy has been allegedly sexually abused by Baskaran, who has been taken in for questioning.
A complaint has been filed with the police by the boy’s father. A case has been registered under Section 6 of the POCSO Act (punishment for aggravated, penetrative sexual assault).
This incident comes on the heels of the case of an 11-year-old child, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by multiple men at a gated community in Ayanavaram, Chennai. The child, who is hearing-impaired, was allegedly lured by the guards and workers in the complex after school and assaulted. Seventeen people, ranging from a 66-year-old liftman to many security guards in their twenties, were arrested by the All Women’s Police station in the locality.