Two kindergarten girls who were sexually abused by a school janitor in Maharashtra’s Badlapur were repeatedly assaulted over the last 15 days, a report published in India Today citing a preliminary report by a state-appointed committee.
The sexual abuse of the 3- and 4-year-old girls has caused widespread outrage in Maharashtra’s Thane district, with both the school administration and police facing intense criticism for their response to the incident.
The findings of the two-member committee report have also highlighted significant concerns regarding the handling of the case and the involvement of the school administration.
The report highlights significant failings in the school administration’s response to the incident. It notes that the school delayed reporting the matter, with the Principal only informing the trustee on August 14, according to sources. Despite the complaint, the administration did not meet with the parents.
Furthermore, the report reveals that the hospital where the girls were treated took 12 hours to provide medical care.
The accused, Akshay Shinde, who started working at the school as a contractual worker on August 1, was hired without any background checks, according to the report. His unrestricted access to all areas of the school, including female toilets, and the absence of an identity card were identified as significant oversights.
The report suggests that Akshay Shinde may be a habitual offender and calls for further investigation into whether his hiring was influenced by an outsourced agency or recommendations.
It also mentions that the school toilet is located in an isolated area, far from the staff room, and lacks proper CCTV surveillance for safety and security.
Additionally, the report criticizes the investigative officer for asking the parents if the girls had been riding bicycles for two hours, indicating a lack of sensitivity and understanding in handling such delicate cases, according to sources.
