In a troubling incident, a second case of sexual assault on a 6-year-old was reported at a school in Hyderabad's old city area, even as the assault of a 4-year-old on its premises had triggered massive protests last week.
The second survivor, a student from Class 1, told her parents that she was assaulted on September 14 by an unidentified man, the same day that the previous case had come to light. However, it is unclear if the accused is the same in both cases.
“A parent approached us alleging that his daughter, who is studying in Class I, was sexually assaulted on September 14 on the school premises. We have registered a case and started investigations.They said they wanted to file a complaint the same day, but backed off after noticing the trouble and media glare at the school when the other case was reported,” Golconda inspector Mohd Munnawar told the Deccan Chronicle.
“We will investigate the issue and take necessary action to identify the offenders. We will question the school staff and students in connection with the cases,’’ the inspector added.
The latest incident has also triggered off speculation, if more minors were assaulted at the school's premises and more cases could come to light. The state's Education Department has also issued a second notice to the institute and is mulling to shut it down and cancel its license.
Last week, the police arrested a 29-year-man for sexually assaulting a minor at the private school in Hyderabad's old city area, after the crime had triggered massive protests last week. The man has been identified as Mohammed Geelani, a supervisor at the school.
Just a few days ago, the management of the school had announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the parents of the 4-year-old survivor.
The school said that a fixed deposit would be made in the minor’s name in a national bank of their choice, adding that they would take the responsibility of providing her with free education till she finishes her schooling.
The Chairman of the institute also said that they would 'assist' her with her further education.
This came after AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi met with Hyderabad Collector Raghunandan Rao and city Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar, demanding swift action in the case.
A case has been registered under Section 376 (Rape) of the IPC and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.