Police have arrested five persons, including the principal of a private school in Thane, after girl students were allegedly made to strip to check if they were menstruating, police said on Thursday. The accused were sent to 14-day judicial custody, officers said.
While the principal and a staffer were arrested on Wednesday, a day after the episode unfolded, three other staffers were arrested on Thursday, they said.
Police have booked eight persons under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 74 (intent to outrage her modesty) and 76 (intent to disrobe).
The incident occurred at a school in Shahapur area of Maharashtra’s Thane district on Tuesday after bloodstains were found in its toilet, the police said.
Students from Class 5 to 10 were taken to the toilet with a woman attendant checking their private parts, as per the complaint lodged by a parent. Following the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered strict action against the accused.
While responding to Congress leader Nana Patole’s query over the matter, BJP leader Girish Mahajan informed the Assembly that immediate action has been taken and the investigation is under way. Congress legislator Jyoti Gaikwad demanded that those guilty should not be spared.
‘Inhuman treatment’
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe called it “inhuman treatment”, saying such acts cannot be completely condoned. “I have spoken to Thane Collector and necessary action has been taken,” said Ms. Gorhe, adding that we need to shift to an education system that understands girls, supports them and empowers them. “This is not just a question of law, but also of social awareness,” she added.
Published – July 11, 2025 12:57 am IST