Police have registered a case against eight staff members of a private school in Shahapur, Maharashtra, after several girl students from Classes 5 to 10 were allegedly forced to strip as part of a menstruation check.
The incident took place on Tuesday at R S Damani School, following the discovery of bloodstains in one of the school’s toilets. In a purported effort to identify the source, school authorities reportedly assembled a group of female students in the convention hall, projected images of the stains, and questioned them about their menstrual status, according to the police.
A complaint filed by a parent alleged that the girls were then divided into two groups. Those who admitted they were menstruating were asked to submit thumb impressions, while those who denied it were allegedly taken to the toilet one by one and subjected to a physical inspection by a female attendant.
“The girls were deeply traumatised,” the parent said. “What happened was a gross violation of their privacy and dignity.”
News of the incident sparked outrage among parents, who staged a protest on the school premises the following day, demanding strict action against those responsible.
“When parents came to know about the checks, they assembled at the school and demanded immediate action,” said Rahul Zalte, Additional Superintendent of Police (Thane Rural). “The situation turned tense for a while. We are investigating the entire incident and will take appropriate legal steps based on the findings.”
A case has been registered against the school principal, four teachers, a female attendant, and two trustees under sections 74 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty) and 76 (intent to disrobe) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
“No arrests have been made so far,” confirmed Senior Inspector Mukesh Dhage of Shahapur Police Station.
The episode has drawn sharp criticism from child rights activists and civil society groups, who have condemned the actions of the school authorities and called for urgent reforms to ensure student protection in educational institutions.
“This kind of invasive and humiliating treatment has no place in a civilised society,” said a representative from a child rights NGO. “It is imperative that schools follow strict protocols that prioritise the dignity and wellbeing of children.”
