India: Parents protest rape of 6-year-old schoolgirl, allegedly by school staff

Parents in Bangalore, in southern India, hit the streets in protest Saturday over the alleged rape of a 6-year-old girl at a prominent private school. It is reported the child was allegedly raped by school staff members.

Protesters in Bangalore
Image/Video Screen Shot

The BBC reports the alleged assault happened on 2 July but her parents discovered it only a few days ago after she complained of stomach ache and was taken to hospital. The girl was allegedly raped by a security guard and a gym teacher, but as there are multiple guards and gym instructors in the school, police say they are trying to identify the guilty.

To date, no arrests have been made, although police have registered a case.

Angry parents and protesters have have torn down the school’s gate and yelled at school staff. Protesters can be seen outside the school building holding banners displaying anti rape slogans. 

The Times of India reports one parent saying, “We want justice; the culprits should be punished as soon as possible. There must be consistent protocols in all the schools so that the kids could remain safe. Nowadays even the parents can’t feel that there child is safe in the school. The government should give protocol in all schools which they need to follow, and then only they will get recognition.” 

Rape has become a huge issue in India garnering  worldwide media attention. The National Crime Records Bureau in New Delhi says in 2013, one rape was reported in India every 21 minutes.