Thane: A disturbing incident has come to light in Maharashtra’s Thane district, where several minor girls at a private school were allegedly forced to undress as part of a menstruation check. The incident occurred on Tuesday at R S Damani School in Shahapur, involving students from classes 5 to 10.
According to officials, the episode began when school staff discovered bloodstains in the restroom and brought it to the attention of the school principal. Instead of addressing the matter discreetly, the principal reportedly summoned several girl students to the school hall and showed them photographs of the stains.
The girls were then asked to disclose whether they were menstruating. Based on their responses, they were divided into two groups. Shockingly, a female staff member was directed to physically inspect some of the girls, aged between 10 and 12, to verify if they were telling the truth. During these invasive checks, it is alleged that the staffer touched the girls’ undergarments.
One student, who was found to be using a sanitary pad despite claiming otherwise, was publicly reprimanded by the principal in front of her peers and school staff, leading to humiliation and emotional distress. When the girls recounted the incident to their parents, it sparked outrage among families and the local community. A protest was held outside the school premises, and a formal complaint was lodged with the police on Wednesday.
Authorities have since registered a case against eight individuals, including the school principal, four teachers, a female attendant, and two trustees. They have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 74 (assault or use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and Section 76 (use of criminal force with intent to disrobe), along with relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The investigation is ongoing.
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