Mangaluru, Mar 20: Expressing concern over the lack of legal action against the management and head of Mangalore One School for showing irresponsibility in the case of sexual abuse of a nursery student by a school van driver near Thokkottu last week, a group of like-minded activists alleged that the police department was showing signs of trying to cover up the case and the school’s involvement in it.
Addressing a media conference here on Friday, state convenor of Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL) Renni D’Souza said that even a week after the sexual abuse took place, the police department had not taken any action against the management and head of the school. The school management committee did not take any responsibility with regard to the case or the well-being of the child, and initially tried to cover up the matter. The management committee members also show a lack of awareness of any child protection policy in the school, he said, urging the public education department and the district administration to conduct an enquiry in this regard.
He said that the irresponsible behaviour of the school management committee was very condemning and urged suitable action against the management of the school.
‘Police have violated sections of POCSO Act’
Mr D’Souza also alleged violation of the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act by the investigating police officers in the sexual abuse case. Certain sections of the POCSO Act states that when the child is taken into their protective custody, the police officers must not be present in their uniform and the child must not be taken in a police vehicle.
In the sexual case of the nursery student, the child was taken in a police van to the hospital on the day of the crime, while policemen were present in front of the child in uniform, he said.
He urged that the sexual abuse case should be handled by a special fast-track court within a period of six months to ensure swift justice to the child and her family.
Silent candlelight march – Justice for Baby Nirbhaya
Co-ordinator of Citizen’s Forum for Mangalore Development Vidya Dinker said that the Child Welfare Committee, Dakshina Kannada had sent notices to the police department and the school in question to appear before the committee. In view of the sexual abuse of the child, the entire back-up system present has failed to act in favour of the child.
In order to make the system more responsive, a silent candle-light will be held by activists and like-minded citizens march under the aegis of Justice for Baby Nirbhaya Forum between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. from Nehru Maidan on Saturday, she said, stressing on the necessity for more awareness in the society on child sexual abuse.
Director of Centre for Integrated Learning, Mangalore Sachita Nandagopal, general secretary of Sahana Women’s Counselling, Mangalore Khairunnisa and president of Career Guidance and Information Centre, Mangalore Umar U H were present.
Also Read: Hundreds rally for swift justice in sexual abuse of nursery kid; warn government
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