Thane, Maharashtra: Police have arrested the principal and a woman attendant of a private school in Maharashtra’s Thane district after girl students were allegedly forced to strip for a menstruation check, prompting widespread outrage and protests from parents.

The disturbing incident took place on Tuesday at a school in the Shahapur area, around 90 kilometres from Mumbai. According to officials, the matter came to light after bloodstains were discovered in a school toilet, following which a group of girls from classes 5 to 10 were subjected to invasive checks.

Students taken to convention hall and shown bloodstain images

As per the complaint filed by a parent, the school authorities called the girls to a convention hall and screened images of the bloodstains in the toilet and floor, using a projector. The girls were then asked if they were currently menstruating.

Following their responses, the students were split into two groups. Those who admitted to being on their periods were asked to provide their thumbprints. The remaining girls, who stated they were not menstruating, were allegedly taken to the toilets one by one, where a female staffer reportedly checked their private parts to verify the claim.

Protests by parents

News of the humiliating checks quickly spread among the parents, leading to protests on the school premises on Wednesday. Many demanded strict action against those involved in the incident.

"The situation turned tense for a while with the irate parents demanding action," said Additional Superintendent of Police (Thane Rural) Rahul Zalte.

Arrests and legal action

Acting on the complaint, police arrested the school’s principal and the woman attendant involved in the physical checks. A case has been registered against eight individuals, including the principal, four teachers, the attendant, and two trustees.

They have been charged under Sections 74 and 76 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertain to assault or criminal force intended to outrage a woman’s modesty or disrobe her. Provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also been invoked.

An official from the Shahapur police station confirmed the arrests and stated that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are examining the roles of other school staff in the matter.

(With inputs from PTI)