Ahmedabad, June 27 (IANS) A sanitation worker at a private school in Ahmedabad’s rural district has been arrested following allegations of sexual abuse of a minor student, police said on Saturday.

The incident came to light after the parents of a child studying at L.D.R. International School in the Ghuma area noticed behavioural changes and conducted counselling, following which the child disclosed the alleged abuse.

Police said the accused, employed as a sanitation worker at the school, allegedly committed “serious sexual abuse and inappropriate physical conduct” against a child aged around five years inside the school premises.

It is further alleged that the accused threatened the child and instructed them not to disclose the incident to anyone.

Following a complaint lodged by the child’s parents at Bopal Police Station, a case was registered on June 25 under Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 5(F), 5(L), 5(M), 6 and 10 of the POCSO Act.

Police said swift action was taken and the accused, identified as 54-year-old Pasha Bhangi, a resident of Manmohan Nagar near Sanathal Toll Tax in Sarkhej area of the city, originally from Dedar village in Siddhpur taluka of Patan district, was arrested.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Tapansinh Dodiya, speaking at a press briefing, said the case emerged after the child’s parents noticed unusual behaviour.

“Around a week ago, the child studying at L.D.R. International School showed signs of nervousness while returning home. The parents carried out counselling and questioned the child, following which the child disclosed that sexual abuse and physical assault had taken place,” he said.

He added that the alleged offence occurred when the child went to the school washroom. “The sanitation worker, who was on duty, was responsible for cleaning the washroom. During this time, it has come to light that the accused committed inappropriate physical contact and sexual abuse,” he said.

Responding to questions on preventive measures, Dodiya said police regularly conduct awareness programmes in schools on child safety.

“Police teams visit schools and conduct sessions on good touch and bad touch, how children should respond to inappropriate behaviour, and whom they should inform immediately. We also appeal to parents to observe behavioural changes in children and counsel them appropriately,” he said.

Regarding the accused’s background, he said the man had been working at the school for about 1 year and had previously worked in similar sanitation roles at other locations.

He also stated that a case had been registered against the accused in 2021 at Vastrapur Police Station for obstruction of public duty and rioting.

Police further said that the interrogation suggested behavioural irregularities and that the investigation into the case continues.

–IANS

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