Chennai: Parents protested outside a private school in Kolapakkam on Thursday after allegations that a school bus attendant had sexually abused kindergarten students surfaced. Accusing the school management of negligence, parents demanded immediate action.
The matter came to light when a four-year-old studying at the school refused to enter the school bus in the morning. She then revealed to her parents that Bhaskar, the attendant on the particular bus, had sexually abused her. He had also scared the children on the bus saying that they would be bitten by snakes if they told anyone, the child said. Following this revelation, a few parents beat up Bhaskar and took him to the school, demanding an explanation.
The parents sought an explanation from the school administration who did not respond. “We tried to meet the chairman but they said he was busy on rounds,” said an angry parent. It was then that over 200 parents protested outside the gates of the school demanding a response.
A complaint was filed at the Mangadu police station by the parents following which the accused, Bhaskar, 48, was taken for questioning. The case will be transferred to the Poonamallee all-women police station, sources said adding that the accused has been booked under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012. A police source also said they suspected other children may have been abused by attendants and have detained around 10 drivers, attendants and other support staff for questioning.
The incident comes only weeks after a minor girl was assaulted by several men in a gated community in Ayanavaram. The increasing number of cases has sent shock waves across the city, keeping parents, teachers and police officials on high-alert.
