Mumbai: The mother of a 3.6-year-old girl has approached the Bombay High Court, seeking the transfer of the investigation into the alleged sexual assault of her daughter from Bangur Nagar police station. She has accused the police of handling the case in an insensitive and lackadaisical manner.

According to the petition, the child returned from school on February 13, complaining of pain in her private parts. Upon examination, her mother noticed redness in the area. When asked, the minor described that a “monster” had touched her inappropriately in the school washroom when she was taken there by a female staff member, whom she called “Didi.”

Alarmed by the disclosure, the mother immediately visited the school in Malad where her daughter studies and attends daycare. The principal, along with the school nurse, also noted the redness. However, initial CCTV footage reviewed by the school only showed common washroom areas and failed to clarify the incident.

The child was taken to Cloud Nine Hospital, Malad, where a junior pediatrician suspected sexual assault and advised a follow-up with a senior doctor. The next day, senior gynecologist confirmed the possibility of sexual abuse and called the police before conducting a medical examination.

The mother provided her statement to the Bangur Nagar police and urged them to collect CCTV footage from the school. However, she alleged that officers attempted to dissuade her from filing a complaint, questioning the reliability of a child’s testimony.

After persistent efforts, the FIR was finally registered, and the child was taken to Cooper Hospital, where a medical examination further indicated possible sexual assault. The next night, at around 11:30 PM, the mother and child were taken to the school for a spot panchnama.

After two days of inquiries, school staff disclosed the existence of another washroom attached to the “sick bay,” which the child identified as the place where the incident occurred. However, the police allegedly refused to secure the CCTV footage from this area immediately, and it was only obtained after repeated requests.

The petition further claims that despite medical reports suggesting a history of abuse, police have not thoroughly analyzed CCTV footage from the past three months, which the mother believes could provide crucial leads. She also alleged that multiple male staff members were seen near the washroom and sick bay, contradicting the school’s claim that men were not allowed in those areas.

The mother also accused the investigating officer, Swati Suryavanshi, inspector attached with Bangur Nagar police station, of repeatedly pressuring her to take her daughter to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) despite senior officials stating it was not mandatory. Additionally, she alleged that statements given to the police were altered multiple times and that officers initially refused to provide her with a copy of her own statement.

Expressing frustration over the police’s slow response, the petitioner has urged the HC to transfer the case to another agency, ensuring a fair and thorough investigation. The petition will come up for hearing in due course of time.