Bengaluru: Activists demand faster trial in minor's sexual assault case

Bengaluru: Rights activists on Tuesday took to the streets demanding faster trial in the shocking case of sexual assault of a three-year-old inside her school compound. Angry parents protested at the school in east Bengaluru, where the pre-schooler was sexually assaulted, allegedly by a school watchman on Monday.

The police say they have arrested the watchman and are awaiting final medical reports before they can take further action. A case under the POCSO - Prevention Of Children From Sexual Offences Act - has been registered.

Father Edward Thomas, one of the activists, said, the child has been admitted to hospital. "The child is quite active. Some bruises have been identified, she has been taken to government-run Bowring hospital and investigation is on. The child will also be taken to NIMHANS," he said.

The police say they have a strong case after they questioned the school's staff members and the child's family. The victim's elder sister studies in the same school and CCTV footage has also been seized. While this is the first POCSO case reported in a school campus this year, the fact is that the dismal conviction rate in POCSO cases lodged last year have ensured there is nothing to deter the criminals.

Of the 289 POCSO cases lodged in 2014, less than 25 trials have actually ended. There have been convictions in less than ten per cent of the cases. Trials in the major cases of minors raped by their school staffers - reported between July and October last - are yet to conclude.

The Karnataka Child Rights commission, which has taken up a suo motu case, says it is trying to pressurise the government to speed up trials.

Dr Kripa Amar Alva, Chairperson, Karnataka Child Rights Commission said that the POCSO cases should conclude in a year's time and that has not been happening.

After the recent spate of sexual assaults reported from Bengaluru last year, most schools have complied with security guidelines such as CCTVs and better protocols. But this Monday shocker has brought back fears in the minds of parents yet again.