Muslim associations protest child sex abuse, candle light march today

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 21, 2015: Protesting the sexual abuse on a three and a half year old girl child at a school in Thokkottu near Mangaluru recently, many muslim organisations staged a protest in front of DK Deputy Commissioners office in Mangalore on March 20,Friday and demanded strict action against the accused as well as school authorities. They also condemned the incidents of moral policing in the district.

Addressing the protesting crowd, Samyuktha Jamaat President Ashraf alleged that  weeks after the incident the district in-charge minster nor the legislators visited or spoke to the parents of the victim who are facing severe pressure.

The state CM and the Home Minister have not responded to the matter. The family belongs to a economically weak section and the school administration has neglected the issue, he said and added that the government and district administration have not taken any action against the school management as the school is owned by a retired Inspector General of Police.

The district in-charge minister should call a press conference and condemn the incident, along with assuring on initiating strict action against the school administration and the culprit, he said. He meanwhile warned of staging a protests in front of the school till justice is obtained for the abused child and its parents.

Stating that the moral policing by communal forces is at an all time high in the district, Ashraf accused that recently, a group of moral police stopped the students of Mudipu government College, from going to school excursion, for petty reasons.  UNIWEF member Rafiuddin Kudroli said though three persons have been arrested in connection with the child abuse, the progress of the investigation is unknown. What the parents of the child want is justice, he said. He further said it is evident that the parties cannot remain in power for long wearing a secular mask and practicing all sorts of crime.

Further, in a related development,  Education Activist Rennie D’Souza said in the case of the Thokottu child sex abuse from day one police investigation has created many doubts. The police have violated Protection of Child from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act by questioning the child wearing uniforms and using police jeep.   Meanwhile, he questioned whether private schools are in control of the government or not as they don’t implement any rules of the government.

Citizens’ Forum for Mangalore Development Coordinator Vidhya Dinakar said: "education has become a mere commercial activity and parents fear to go to police when these kind of incidents happen. The entire system should be more responsive. The Ullal incident should be an eye opener.  Such ignorance and high handedness should not be repeated and things must be  straightened."

Career Guidance and Insurance Centre President Umar U H, Centre for Integrated Learning Director Sachitha Nandagopal were present.

NOTE : It was stated, demanding justice for the three and half year old sexually abused child by the school van driver in Ullal police limits recently, Justice for the victim will be demanded by an organised silent candle light march from City Police Commissioner’s office to Deputy Commissioner’s office on March 21  between  7pm and 8pm.