by | arvind jadhav
Thane: A shocking incident has come to light in a school in Thane, Maharashtra, where girls were allegedly strip-searched under the guise of checking for menstruation. The school’s principal and attendant, both women, were arrested on Wednesday, while four teachers and two trustees have been booked for their alleged involvement in the incident.
According to the police, the school staff discovered bloodstains in the toilet and summoned girls from classes 5 to 10 to the convention hall, where they were shown pictures of the stained toilet and tiles. The girls were then asked to raise their hands if they were menstruating, and those who did were subjected to a humiliating examination.
The police statement reveals that the teachers recorded the details, including thumb impressions, of the girls who raised their hands and then took the others to the toilet, where the attendants forcibly removed their clothes for inspection. One of the parents alleged that the principal asked her daughter why she was using sanitary pads when she was not menstruating and accused her of lying.
The incident has sparked outrage, and the parents have protested against the school management and administration. The police have registered a case against the principal, teachers, attendant, and trustees under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant sections.
The arrested individuals will be produced in court on Thursday. The Thane Rural Police have assured that they will take strict action against those found guilty. The incident highlights the need for greater sensitivity and awareness about menstrual hygiene and the rights of girls in schools.