Hyderabad: More than 500 students at the Azan International School in Hyderabad are facing an uncertain future after the Telangana government ordered its closure following the rape of a minor on the premises by a school employee.
The four-year-old student was sexually assaulted in a bathroom at the school on Saturday, sparking outrage.
A separate school run by the same management, where 1,100 children are enrolled, is also facing uncertainty as people were also demanding its closure.
The management of Azan International school, which has a large number of children of non-resident Indians, sent a message to parents.
“The school will remain closed until further notice as there is an ongoing police investigation taking place regarding the unfortunate incident”.
Police have arrested the school supervisor, named as Jeelani, in connection with the incident.
The minor was discharged from the hospital after surgery on Tuesday evening.
Golconda police have booked a case of rape of a minor against the suspect.
The school located at Tolichowki area faced the fury of the local people as a mob attacked its property and pelted stones after the news about the heinous crime spread.
The incident came to light late on Saturday evening as the girl did not return home and her worried parents went to school to inquire about her whereabouts.
The management allegedly tried to cover up the incident, saying the girl was attending a special class. But when the mother came to know that the girl was lying unconscious inside and the school staff were trying to hide something, she raised an alarm and people started gathering there.
Transfer orders
Hyderabad Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi and area MLA Kausar Mohiudidn took up the issue with the higher officials including the Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar and district collector Yogita Rana demanding stringent action against the management and closure of the school.
According to officials of the Education Department, a notice has been issued to the school management and an order for its closure was served.
The officials said alternate schools were being identified, where the students would be transferred to soon.
The management was also facing other charges including running a primary school with 218 students without permission from the government.
