Bengaluru: A Class 10 student at a private residential school on the outskirts of Bengaluru has alleged that he was subjected to repeated sexual assault and ragging over a four-day period by senior students within the school hostel. The incidents reportedly occurred during the night and involved students from Classes 10 to 12, including those enrolled in Pre-University Courses (PUC).

The boy, who had recently joined the hostel, was allegedly targeted after raising concerns about ragging with school authorities. According to the complaint filed by his father at Bannerghatta Police Station on September 8, the student was physically assaulted, stripped, and forced to dance naked on multiple occasions. The perpetrators allegedly poured hot and cold water on him and committed acts of sexual abuse.

The complaint further accuses the hostel warden and the school principal of encouraging or failing to act upon the abuse, despite prior warnings. Police have arrested the warden and registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. Six students, all minors, have been named in the FIR and are currently confined to the hostel under police supervision.

The school has acknowledged the filing of an FIR under the POCSO Act and affirmed that the safety and welfare of its pupils remain its highest priority, as reported by India Today. The authorities have asked the public and media to respect the sensitivity of the matter. A detailed investigation is underway, and authorities are examining the extent to which ragging played a role in the alleged offences. The school principal is expected to be summoned for questioning.

(with PTI inputs)