A three-year-old boy was allegedly physically and sexually assaulted at a playschool in northeast Delhi’s Maujpur area, prompting police to arrest a caretaker and initiate investigations against the school’s director, principal, and teacher. The incident, which came to light after the child’s parents reviewed CCTV footage, reportedly showed the toddler being tied to a chair, kicked, and subjected to repeated physical abuse. The Delhi police registered a case under multiple legal frameworks, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The alleged assault occurred earlier this month, though the exact date remains unspecified. The child’s parents became aware of the incident after noticing behavioral changes and unexplained injuries on their son. According to police reports, the toddler had been scared of using the washroom for several days, remained agitated, and cried uncontrollably during the night. Bruises on his face and arms prompted the parents to take him to a medical professional, who discovered swelling in both ear canals and raised concerns about possible physical abuse. The father, an advocate, then requested access to the school’s CCTV footage to investigate further. Initially, the school staff cited technical issues and delayed the request. Eventually, they demanded ₹1,500 to provide the footage. After the payment, the family viewed the recordings, which allegedly depicted the child being pulled by his ears, tied to a chair for extended periods, and subjected to kicks and strikes. Following the viewing of the footage, the child’s father filed a formal complaint with the police, leading to an investigation. On Friday, police visited the school premises, seized the CCTV recorder, and registered a First Information Report (FIR). The FIR includes allegations of physical and sexual abuse, as well as mental harassment, against the school’s director, principal, teacher, and the caretaker, who has since been arrested. The police are also examining the role of the teacher, while the responsibilities of the director and principal remain under scrutiny. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta responded swiftly to the incident, condemning it as “deeply disturbing” and ordering the sealing of the school premises. In a statement on her official communication platform, she emphasized that the government would ensure accountability and that those found guilty would face the “strictest action under law.” The Directorate of Education (DoE) has also launched an independent inquiry into the incident, with a committee set up to assess the circumstances surrounding the abuse. The inquiry is expected to submit its findings within two days. The child was immediately taken to GTB Hospital for a thorough medical examination, where doctors documented abrasions on his face and arms. Additional injuries, such as swelling on the left thigh and an abrasion near the left eye, were noted in the medico-legal report. The child’s condition was described as critical by the family, particularly due to the swelling of the eardrums, which the ENT specialist suggested might be close to rupture. The father expressed deep concern over the lack of oversight and monitoring by the school authorities, demanding that the management be held accountable for failing to protect the child. The school’s management has stated that an internal investigation is ongoing and that the caretaker and teacher have been permanently removed from the institution. However, the principal could not be contacted for comment. The case has drawn widespread attention, with media outlets highlighting the severity of the abuse and the apparent negligence of the school staff. The police are continuing their investigation, reviewing the CCTV footage and other evidence to determine the full extent of the incident and identify all individuals involved. The incident has sparked outrage among parents and educators, raising questions about the safety and regulation of private educational institutions. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and implementing stricter measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The outcome of the DoE inquiry and the police probe will likely shape new policies aimed at safeguarding children in such environments.
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