20-30 claims, but no complaints filed yet: Bengaluru DCP

Bengaluru: On Thursday, 20-30 parents had made the shocking allegation that their children too were sexually assaulted by the accused Manjunath at the preschool in Marathahalli. But the police, who are investigating the case, termed these allegations false.

Whitefield DCP M. Narayan told Deccan Chronicle that no fresh FIR has been registered. On the allegations made by the 20-30 parents, he said they could be false as no one has come forward to file further complaints.

As all government offices remained closed on Friday for Shivaratri, the issue could trigger a new controversy on Saturday. An officer said that various state government agencies are expected to take up the issue with the city police on Saturday.

“Parents met senior police officers and informed them about the incident. Many parents have given open statements about sexual assault on their children. Now, the police should take up the case on suo moto basis,” an officer said.

On Thursday, around 20-30 parents, who had gathered in front of the pre-school, alleged that their children too were subjected to the sexual assault/ harassment by accused Manjunath.

But on Friday, Whitefield DCP M. Narayana confirmed that no fresh FIRs were registered against Manjunath. He said that these allegations could be false. Parents wanted case against provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences against school management. MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar also supported their demand.

Management booked under bailable offences

One of the worst fears of the parents of the preschool, where cases of molestation have been reported, has come true. Many of them allege that the city police are trying to dilute the case against the school management as the principal, Dr K. Veena, is the daughter of an MLC.

They alleged that the police have registered eight FIRs of sexual assault against children under less stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

The police said that the school management has been booked under Section 21 of the Pocso Act, which is bailable. But now parents want the cases registered under some other strong provision.

Echoing the fear of the parents, MP Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday warned the police and pointed out that they are responsible for the safety of children.

Sources in the women and child welfare department said that various government agencies have already written to the city police to apply stiff provisions of Pocso Act against the school principal and other management staff and not under bailable sections of the act.