Government Orders Sealing of Maujpur Playschool
The Delhi government has initiated proceedings to seal a playschool in Maujpur where a three-year-old boy was allegedly sexually assaulted, according to the chief minister’s office. The action was taken on the directions of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who directed the District Magistrate to begin the process, as reported by The Times of India and The Tribune.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the Delhi government had taken “serious cognisance” of the “deeply disturbing” incident. She added that the government would ensure responsibility is fixed and those found guilty face the strictest action under the law. The police investigation is underway.
Incident Details and Police Action
The incident came to light on August 19 after the child’s family noticed injuries to his private parts. When questioned, the child allegedly told his mother about a “bad uncle” at the school who had been giving him chocolates, as reported by The Times of India, citing PTI.
An FIR was registered under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other applicable laws. The accused was arrested from the school premises. On August 24, the child was shown photographs and CCTV footage from the school and identified the accused, police said.
CCTV footage examined by police purportedly showed the child being tied to a chair, kicked, and held by his ears. The footage also allegedly showed his food being taken away before he could eat. According to the earlier FIR, the child had shown signs of distress before the family approached authorities. His father had said the boy was unable to sleep properly, was afraid of going to the toilet, and would cry when asked to go to school.
Education Department Inquiry
Education Minister Ashish Sood said the Education Department had found that the playschool, Beacon Public School, was unrecognised. A departmental team had inspected the premises, and a detailed inquiry was ongoing, he said.
Sood said that if any violation, irregularity, or non-compliance is found, strict action will be taken under the applicable provisions of the Right to Education Act and other relevant laws. Depending on the findings of the inquiry, the school may also be ordered to shut down in accordance with the law.
The Delhi government will not compromise on the safety, security, and wellbeing of children, nor will it tolerate any school operating in violation of the prescribed norms. Any institution found to be flouting the law will face firm and decisive action, Sood said.
The Times of India also reported that the directorate of education had ordered an inquiry into the alleged abuse, with a committee to examine the incident in accordance with guidelines issued under the POCSO Act. The school’s owner had said that the caretaker and teacher had been removed and that the management was cooperating with the police investigation. The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect his privacy, as per Supreme Court directives.