Parents protest at Navi Mumbai school over alleged abuse of 4-year-old student

Hundreds of parents staged a protest outside a prominent Navi Mumbai school on Monday morning, demanding action against the school administration following the alleged sexual abuse of a four-year-old student by a school van driver.

The police have arrested the driver in connection with the incident, which occurred on April 22. A case has been registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Holding placards and shouting slogans, parents gathered outside the Navi Mumbai school premises, demanding the dismissal of the principal. Many protesters wore black ribbons as a mark of protest.

Speaking to the media, one parent accused the school management and principal of showing a “dismissive attitude” towards the grave issue, according to news agency PTI.

“They have not offered any assurance. How can we be certain that such a horrific incident will not recur and endanger our children?” the concerned parent asked, reported PTI.

Attempts by local media to seek a response from the school management were unsuccessful, as they did not reply to requests for comment.

Navi Mumbai’s NRI Coastal police have arrested the driver of a school bus for allegedly sexually abusing a four-year-old boy. 

The matter came to light after the boy was rushed to the nearest hospital as he was experiencing pain in his rectum.

According to reports, alarmed by the incident, the distressed parents of the boy went to the school and approached the principal. The school sent a WhatsApp message to parents, and the message stated that the institute was well aware that a case had been registered under the POCSO Act. 

“The school is conducting an internal inquiry and is cooperating with the investigating agencies. In view of the above, the school reassures all parents and reiterates its commitment to upholding the safety and well-being of the children enrolled in the school,” the message reads.

(With inputs from PTI)