Palghar School Watchman Arrested for Alleged Abuse of Two Minors

Fast Summary

• A 53-year-old school security guard in Virar, Palghar district, Maharashtra, was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing two male students aged 17 and 15.
• The incidents reportedly occurred in the school’s canteen between June 15 and june 20, as per Arnala police.
• Following a complaint from the school’s manager,the police registered an FIR under section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 5,8,and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
• Section 5 of POCSO pertains to penetrative sexual assault.
• Similar abuse cases involving school staff have occurred earlier; notably in August 2024 in Badlapur (Thane district), were protests erupted after a male sweeper allegedly abused two four-year-old girls.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The arrest highlights persistent challenges regarding child safety within educational institutions in India. Deploying vigilant systems to screen school staff-along with implementing robust mechanisms for reporting abuse-is essential to curbing such violations effectively under laws like POCSO or BNS. The case further drives awareness around enforcing accountability among schools through stronger regulatory oversight and sensitizing education communities on matters of student protection.

While prior incidents like those reported in Thane demonstrate strict responses by law enforcement, they underscore systemic vulnerabilities that must be addressed proactively nationwide rather than reactively post-crisis events.

Link for Read More: Source: The Hindu