Sexual assault on LKG student: School management says there is no cover-up

Sexual assault on LKG student: School management says there is no cover-up

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 29, 2015: The Management of the Mangalore One School of Tokkottu which has been in the eye of a storm ever since an LKG student of the school was allegedly sexually abused  by  the school van  driver on March 13 this year, has finally decided to speak to the media on the issue that has sparked much debate as well as controversies while a demand has also been put forth to shut down the school.

It may be recalled here that the accused van driver Madhukar was arrested soon after the sexual assault on the child came to light.

Speaking to reporters on May 29, Friday,  Sharat Saxena, Chairman of the School  clarified that  there  was no question of cover-up of the incident as the driver has already been arrested and is behind bars since 75 days.

He even clarified that the school management has not neglected the incident, but has done everything possible on its part. Saxena said “False information is being circulated that the school is protecting the accused while the fact was that  he was arrested  within half an hour after a police complaint was lodged.”

 “The School had done police verification before employing the driver,” Saxena said adding the driver had no complaints or criminal records against him in the past.

Elaborating  on the precautionary measures taken by the school to avert such incidents in the future,  Saxena said the school has installed CCTV cameras even before the government issued guidelines in this regard. The number of CCTV cameras have been doubled after the incident and  lady attendants have been appointed to the school vehicles, he informed.

“The school authorities have met the mother and the child and have even assured free education to the child,” he said.

To a question as to why the school did not  speak to the media until now, Saxena said  he did not want to speak when the police were investigating the case and added that they have now come out in the open as the issue has been blown out of proportion.
Saxena also stated that the issue has been politicised as well as communalized. Terming the allegations against the school ‘Baseless’ he alleged that attempts have been made to tarnish the image of the school by its competitors. He also hoped that the CID which is investigating the case would ensure justice.

Navya, Principal, Nayan, Headmistress and others were present at the press meet.