3-year-old girl sexually assaulted in Bengaluru school

A three-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted at her school in Bengaluru, sparking protests by parents of students who clashed with police on Tuesday.

A three-year-old girl was allegedly sexually abused by the watchman of her school, triggering protests by parents of students who later clashed with police.

The watchman, who the police say hails from West Bengal, has been arrested, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) N Satish Kumar said.

The parents of the child found out about the assault after she came back crying from school on Monday, complaining about pain in her private parts. The older sister of the girl told the police that she had seen the watchman put the child on his lap and offer her chocolates.

The child was taken to a government hospital after the parents registered a complaint with the police under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children From Sexual Offences).

The incident is a grim reminder of sexual assaults in upscale schools in the city. It also casts a shadow on security arrangements in such institutions in the Karnataka capital.

In August 2013, there were reports of an eight year-old girl being allegedly sexually assaulted by her 63-year-old teacher inside her school.

Recurring sexual assaults on minor girls have evoked public outrage and raised questions about safety in schools and their compliance with safety guidelines issued by police.

(With inputs from PTI)