6-Year-Old Reportedly Raped by School Staffers in India

A 6-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a gym teacher and security guard on staff at a school in Bangalore, India, police tell the BBC. The incident, which allegedly took place on July 2, was discovered and reported just a few days ago, after the girl’s parents say she complained of pain in her stomach and was examined at a hospital. Hordes of incensed parents have been protesting at the school, breaking down gates, smashing glass inside an office, and calling for the school to take a stronger stance to protect their children, NDTV reports. (Click here for video of angry parents outside of the school.) No arrests have been made yet, but police say they have detained three people.

The alleged attack and resulting protests take place against a backdrop of outrage over sexual harassment and assaults against women and children in India. Parents’ anger over the latest case has been fueled by a form that some local schools are asking parents to sign absolving the schools of any responsibility for their children’s safety, notes NDTV. “We collectively refuse to sign such a form," one parents says. "My child spends six to seven hours in school. I am at work. If the school doesn't protect her, then how can I send her?” (More Bangalore stories.)