Police in Maharashtra’s Thane district have arrested the principal and a female attendant of a private school after girl students were allegedly forced to strip to prove they were not menstruating. The shocking incident occurred on Tuesday at a school in Shahapur.
According to a parent’s complaint, students from classes 5 to 10 were gathered in the school’s convention hall and shown photos of bloodstains found in the toilet. “The girls were divided into two groups—those who admitted to menstruating had to give thumb impressions, while others were taken to the toilet and forcibly checked by the attendant,” the complaint stated.
Outraged parents protested at the school on Wednesday, demanding action. “The situation became tense as angry parents confronted the school staff,” said Additional Superintendent of Police Rahul Zalte.
Police registered a case under the POCSO Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including outraging modesty and forced disrobement. “We have arrested the principal and attendant, while investigations continue against four teachers and two trustees,” a police official confirmed.
Child rights activists condemned the incident. “Forcing minors to undergo such humiliating checks violates their dignity and constitutes sexual harassment,” said activist Priya Menon.
The school management hasn’t issued any statement. Authorities have assured strict action as the investigation proceeds.
(Names of minors withheld to protect identity as per legal guidelines)
