The Delhi government is contemplating taking over the management of a private school in Janakpuri following serious allegations of sexual assault on a toddler on its premises. The move comes after the school authorities failed to provide a satisfactory response to a show-cause notice issued by the Directorate of Education regarding alleged lapses in child safety and compliance with statutory norms.
Officials stated that the Directorate of Education issued the notice on May 8, warning that failure to respond adequately within the stipulated three-day period could lead to the withdrawal of the school’s recognition and a subsequent takeover of its management under the provisions of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules. However, as of Monday, the school had not yet submitted its response to the Directorate of Education.
Allegations Surface Following Mother’s Complaint
The serious allegations of sexual assault against a three-year-old girl surfaced after her mother lodged a complaint with the Janakpuri police station on May 1. According to the complaint, the assault allegedly occurred during school hours on April 30, the second day of the child’s admission. The mother reported that her daughter complained of pain upon returning home, and upon inquiry, revealed that she had been taken to an isolated area within the school premises and assaulted by a male school staff member.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Granted to Accused
Following the complaint, the police registered a case under Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which addresses punishment for rape, and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The child reportedly identified the accused, a 57-year-old school caretaker, leading to his arrest on May 1 and subsequent judicial custody. However, the accused was later granted bail by a Dwarka court on May 7, a decision that reportedly proceeded despite strong opposition from the prosecution. The court’s decision to grant bail was reportedly influenced by factors including CCTV footage placing the accused away from the alleged crime scene at the time of the incident and a medical examination of the child that did not reveal any physical injuries.
Concerns Over Child Safety and Handling of the Case
The incident has amplified concerns regarding child safety in educational institutions and the handling of such sensitive cases. The victim’s mother has alleged that proper action was not taken immediately after she reported the incident, and that she and her child experienced significant delays and were made to wait for extended periods at the police station during the initial investigation. While the police have denied allegations of negligence, stating that the investigation was prompt and conducted in a child-friendly manner, the mother’s claims have added another layer of controversy to the case.
Political Reactions and Calls for Action
Political figures have also reacted to the incident, with Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj criticizing the granting of bail to the accused caretaker. He echoed the mother’s allegations, claiming that the family members felt threatened by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (West). In response, the office of the DCP West issued a statement asserting that action was taken immediately after the girl’s medical examination and countering the allegations of negligence and intimidation.
Ongoing Investigation and Potential Government Intervention
The Directorate of Education is currently awaiting the court’s order regarding the bail granted to the accused to take further action. The potential takeover of the school’s management signifies the seriousness with which the government is treating the alleged lapses in child safety protocols. Authorities are also examining CCTV footage from the school premises as part of the ongoing investigation. The Directorate of Education emphasized that the school authorities were given a three-day period to respond to the show-cause notice, and their failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could result in severe repercussions, including the withdrawal of the school’s recognition.
The Chenab Times News Desk