Parents pressure police to act against ’missing’ principal of Bangalore school where 6-y

TNN

Bangalore, Jul 26, 2014 : Where is Alistair Laporte, principal of the school where a six-year-old girl was allegedly raped? With Bangalore City police arresting the school’s founder-chairman, Rustom Kerawalla, parents of students are wondering why Laporte is getting kid-gloves treatment.

 

 

Police sources say Laporte was present in the school on July 2 when the incident occurred. He met the girl’s parents when they tried to bring the issue to his notice. But he is learnt to have stonewalled their concern, prompting the parents to approach police.

 

Laporte has been missing since July 17, the day after protests broke out over the incident. "The school management said Laporte was not in the school when police came to question him. But we’re certain he was on the campus that day too. Thereafter, he hasn’t been part of any talks between the school authorities, police and parents," a parent in the forefront of the protests said.

 

 

After Kerawalla’s arrest, the role of the principal as custodian of the campus has come into question. "Since the school is not operated by a franchisee, the principal is accountable...," another parent argued.

 

Investigating officers say Laporte has been summoned, and will be summoned again if needed. "Initially, he refused to cooperate by claiming illness. We questioned him recently, and have taken his statement. The chances of Laporte being summoned again are high, and he will be detained if we find any material evidence against him," they added.

 

Another police officer privy to the investigation says Laporte is under surveillance. "He is under observation and is being continuously interrogated. We learnt the chairman silenced him after the issue became public, and said he would personally handle the matter."