INDIA – Police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested a school principal and two female staff members after several teenage girls were allegedly forced to strip for a menstruation check, sparking outrage across the country.
The incident occurred at a government-run school in the Muzaffarnagar district, where staff reportedly singled out girls suspected of menstruating and compelled them to undress as part of a routine inspection linked to seating arrangements during a religious ritual. Parents filed formal complaints after students informed them of the humiliation.
Local authorities confirmed that a criminal case had been registered under sections relating to assault, criminal intimidation, and violating the dignity of a woman. Medical examinations and statements from the affected students are being recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken notice and demanded a comprehensive report. Rights groups and activists have condemned the incident, calling it a gross violation of privacy and a reflection of deep-rooted menstrual stigma in parts of Indian society.
State education officials have suspended the accused while a departmental inquiry is underway. The state government has also pledged action to prevent such incidents in the future.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
