A 4-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted at a prominent private school in Mumbai, leading to the arrest of a female staff member. The incident reportedly occurred on Monday after the child's grandmother dropped her off at the school. The alleged assault came to light when the girl complained of pain in her private parts after returning home. Her mother, sensing something was wrong, took her to a doctor, who discovered an injury. The child then told her parents that the caretaker had allegedly touched her inappropriately while accompanying her to the bathroom, during which she sustained the injury.

Following the medical examination, the girl's family informed the school administration and filed a police complaint. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and arrested a female staff member who had been working at the school for over two years. The accused was produced before the court and has been remanded in police custody until September 19.

Police are currently investigating the matter, and are reviewing CCTV footage to verify the incident. Three female assistant staff members of the school have been called for questioning. A police officer stated that after initial verification, it appears that the woman committed the offense.

This incident has sparked outrage and concern among parents and the community, raising questions about child safety protocols in schools. This case comes just seven months after a similar controversy involving a 3.5-year-old student at another branch of the same school. In that instance, which occurred on February 12, a 3.5-year-old girl from a different branch of the same institution was allegedly sexually abused by an unidentified man on school premises. The Bangur Nagar police registered a case under the POCSO Act, but no arrests have been made in that investigation.

The back-to-back allegations have sparked outrage among parents and calls for stricter oversight of school staff and enhanced child protection measures. The school has yet to issue a public statement, but parents and the wider community are demanding answers about how such incidents could occur in a reputed institution.

In response to previous incidents, the Maharashtra government has implemented measures to enhance child safety in schools. These include mandatory guidelines such as conducting roll call thrice a day, installing CCTV cameras on school premises, and conducting character verification checks before appointing new employees. Schools are also required to inform local police about any complaints of sexual assault, inform parents if a student is absent or missing, and organize "good touch-bad touch" training sessions.

The Bombay High Court has also been actively involved in ensuring child safety in schools, directing the state government to finalize child safety guidelines and emphasizing the need for regular counselor visits and government funding to support implementation in public schools.

The "Bal Rakshak" campaign is also underway in Mumbai schools, aiming to educate employees on existing child safety guidelines, child protection laws, and providing mental health support for students. This campaign includes training on the POCSO Act and the formation of Sakhi Savitri and student safety committees.