Six-Year-old’s Alleged Rape in School Sparks Anger In Bangalore

Bangalore: The alleged rape of a six-year-old at a prominent school in Bangalore has enraged the city and triggered massive protests by parents. A form that many schools have asked parents to sign, declaring that they can’t be held responsible for the child’s safety, has led to more anger.

Protesters pulled down the gates of the school and shouted slogans demanding action against its management.

“I am sending my child to class 1. I don’t even know whether I will send her back to this school,” said a parent.The child, a student of Class 1, was allegedly raped by two gym instructors during school hours earlier this week. The alleged attackers have been held but parents are demanded tougher action for the school’s failure to protect the child.

This is the second incident in two weeks that has raised questions about the safety of children in schools. Last week, another six-year-old in another school was picked up from school by her own aunt who later murdered her over a family dispute.

Many top schools have now asked parents to sign the form that says that when their child participates in events organized by the school – including field trips, excursions and camps – the staff or teachers of the school can’t be held responsible for “damage to loss of property, sickness or injury from ‘whatever source’ legal entanglements, loss of life or money…”

Some schools have reportedly even threatened to expel students whose parents go to the media.