Five Class XI student of Jodhpur's Sohanlal Manihar Senior Secondary School have been booked for sexually assaulting their new classmate. The 17-year-old victim approached the police on Wednesday, after the school administration allegedly did not take any action.
According to the victim, the five girls ragged her in a bathroom on her first day at the private school. She said one started bullying her and later called her friends when she resisted. They then allegedly forced her into one of the cubicles in the bathroom, where they forced her to strip, molested and assaulted her, The Indian Express reported.
Police Commissioner of Jodhpur Ashok Rathore said they had registered an FIR against the five girls as well as the school administration under the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act. "The school authorities should have reported the matter to us immediately. We will be recording the girls' statement under Section 164 of the CrPC [Code of Criminal Procedure] before a magistrate Friday,” Rathore said.
The five girls were booked for offences under the POSCO Act that involve a jail term of three to five years. While the victim has written to state Education Minister Vasudev Devnani on the matter, the school administration has denied her allegations.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!