Could a 13-Year-Old Boy Be Safe on Indore School Grounds?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two teenagers were detained for allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old boy.
- The incident has raised serious concerns about child safety in schools.
- The victim's family reported delays in medical examinations.
- The accused are reportedly local youths who frequented the school grounds.
- Legal action has been initiated under the POCSO Act.
Indore, July 19 (NationPress) Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, have been taken into custody for the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old boy on a school campus in Indore, according to police reports on Saturday.
The distressing incident reportedly took place on Thursday while the young victim was engaged in play on an open field within the school grounds. The accused, who are not enrolled at the school, are said to have coerced the boy into non-consensual sexual acts, which included sodomy and oral sex.
This case came to public attention after the victim’s parents lodged a complaint at the Annapurna Police Station. Law enforcement confirmed that the suspects are local youths—one being a mechanic—who are known to frequent the school premises, which are accessible to children from surrounding neighborhoods.
Following the complaint, police acted promptly to detain the suspects and have since moved them to a juvenile correctional facility for further inquiries. A case has been initiated under pertinent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The incident has sparked significant concerns regarding the safety and security of children on educational campuses. The victim’s family has accused school authorities of negligence, alleging that they encountered substantial delays in arranging the essential medical examination.
According to sources close to the family, the child was instructed to undergo a swab test at the district hospital; however, the facility was ill-equipped for the procedure. After numerous hours and multiple visits, the test was eventually performed at MY Hospital—17 hours after the FIR was filed.
Authorities have yet to address questions about the school's security protocols and the delays in medical treatment. The investigation remains ongoing.
Officials from MY Hospital have acknowledged the delay in conducting the test and stated that a formal inquiry has been initiated regarding this issue.