Shocking Incident: Thane School Staff Arrested for Forcing Girls to Strip in Menstruation Check
THANE (July 10): Police have arrested the principal and an attendant of a private school in Thane after girl students were allegedly forced to strip to check if they were menstruating. The disturbing incident, which took place on Tuesday at a school in Shahapur, has sparked outrage among parents and child rights activists.
Incident Details: Bloodstains Led to Humiliating Checks
The controversy erupted after school staff discovered bloodstains in a washroom. Instead of handling the matter sensitively, the principal reportedly summoned girls from classes 5 to 10 to the school’s convention hall, where images of the bloodstains were projected.
According to a complaint filed by parents, the girls were divided into two groups:
- Those who admitted to menstruating were asked to give a thumb impression.
- Those who denied menstruating were taken to the washroom, where a female attendant allegedly forced them to undress for an invasive examination.
Parents Outraged, Demand Justice
A Class 7 student’s parent recounted their daughter’s trauma: “She came home shaking. She was forced to take off her clothes in front of others. This isn’t discipline—it’s mental harassment.”
Enraged parents protested at the school on Wednesday, demanding action. Thane (Rural) Additional Superintendent of Police Rahul Zalte confirmed tensions escalated before authorities intervened.
Legal Action Taken: POCSO Act Invoked
Police have registered a case against eight individuals, including the principal, four teachers, an attendant, and two trustees. Charges include:
- BNS Sections 74 & 76 (assault or use of force to outrage a woman’s modesty and disrobe her).
- POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences).
Late Wednesday, the principal and attendant were arrested, and the principal has since been dismissed.
Authorities Respond
Child rights activists have condemned the incident, calling it a gross violation of privacy and dignity. Investigations are ongoing, with officials assuring strict action against all involved.
