The MIDC police on Friday arrested the principal of St Xaviers School in Andheri (E) for allegedly molesting a six-year-old student in the school premises on August 31. Angry parents vandalised the school property after the accused, Rosario Alphonso, was arrested.
The parents of the victim had approached the police on Tuesday. In their complaint, the boy's mother stated that when she was getting him ready for school on September 4, he told her that the principal touched his chest and private parts in the school toilet a few days ago.
"The mother said the boy had gone to the toilet during the lunch break when Alphonso came there and inappropriately touched him," said an MIDC police officer. He added, "The victim's parents went to the school to meet the principal the same day but he was not in his office. They then met the child's class teacher and informed her about the incident."
The school remained shut on September 5 and 6. The worried parents tried to meet Alphonso again on September 7 but he wasn't available. They then called up the Childline and sought their help. Finally on September 8, they approached the MIDC police station and registered a case.
"We have arrested Alphonso and booked him under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. He was produced before the local court," said an officer.
The school spokesperson said, "Alphonso has been suspended. There is zero tolerance policy for any conduct of this nature. We are fully cooperating with the police. We are also installing CCTV cameras in the school premises."
Meanwhile, after the parents staged a protest on Thursday, the school management decided to shut the school on Friday, possibly to avoid further controversy. On Friday, however, around 500 angry parents gathered in the premises, seeking an audience with trustees AF Pinto and Grace Pinto. When the school authorities refused, the protesters reportedly went on a rampage. The school is managed by the Ryan Group. It is not clear when the school will re-open.
