K’taka CM dozes off during debate?

Bangalore: Anger over the alleged rape of a six-year-old at an elite school in Bangalore singed the Karnataka government on Friday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was accused of nodding off in the state assembly during a debate on rape.

"I was not sleeping during the debate. I was very attentive," said Siddaramaiah, who is facing calls for his resignation for what his critics called "callousness".

"If resignation was the solution people in power should have resigned a thousand times earlier," he added. Furious parents took to the streets on Thursday demanding action against Vibgyor High School, where a Class 1 student was allegedly raped by two gym instructors on July 2 during school hours.

The child had reportedly left the classroom to use the toilet when she was attacked. Reports suggest the school tried to cover up the incident. The child reportedly confided in her mother a week after the alleged assault.

State home minister KG George said the alleged rapists would be arrested under a tougher law under which bail is difficult. "We have conclusive leads," he said.

This is the second incident this month to highlight severe lapses in schools in India's IT haven. Last week, a six-year-old in another school was picked up from school by her own aunt who later murdered her over a family dispute.

A form sent by many schools in the city declaring that they can't be held responsible for the safety of students has incensed parents even more. Parents have been asked to sign a form that the school's staff or teachers can't be held responsible for "damage to loss of property, sickness or injury from 'whatever source' legal entanglements, loss of life or money..." Parents across Bangalore have begun a signature campaign for safety in schools.