New Delhi – Navneet Chaudhary, the father of a three‑and‑a‑half‑year‑old boy, has accused a private playschool in Maujpur, northeast Delhi, of physically and sexually assaulting his child. According to Chaudhary, the boy began showing signs of distress several days before falling seriously ill on August 18, the day he returned from school.
Chaudhary told the news agency ANI that his son arrived home on that day vomiting, dizzy and complaining of severe discomfort. He was rushed to a paediatrician, who observed swelling of the child’s eyes and recommended an immediate visit to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. The ENT doctor later reported that the boy’s eardrums in both ears were swollen to the point of near rupture and described the condition as critical.
Allegations and medical findings
Following the medical emergency, Chaudhary approached the school management to inquire whether his son had been assaulted while at the institution. The family subsequently reviewed CCTV footage from the day in question. The footage, according to Chaudhary, shows the child being tied to a chair for an extended period and subjected to repeated physical abuse, including beating, kicking and ear‑pulling.
“I hold the management, owners and principal responsible as well,” Chaudhary said, questioning whether the school had a duty to monitor CCTV recordings and ensure child safety. He added that he demanded action against all parties he believed were involved, alleging that the school’s administration played a major role in the incident.
Legal and investigative response
The father filed a police complaint after noting a change in his son’s behaviour. The FIR states that the boy had been unable to sleep properly for several days, was fearful of using the toilet and would “cry inconsolably” at the prospect of going to school. Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), naming the school director, principal, a teacher and a caretaker as accused.
Law enforcement officials have arrested the caretaker identified in the case. Chaudhary claims that some other teachers are no longer reachable, alleging that they have fled or absconded. The police investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing the CCTV footage and other evidence as part of their inquiry.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has also ordered a separate inquiry into the allegations and the role of the school management. The DoE’s probe is expected to examine whether the institution complied with statutory safety requirements, including the monitoring of surveillance systems and the supervision of children during school hours.
While the investigation proceeds, the incident has sparked a broader discussion about child safety in educational settings. Community members and online users have been prompted to share opinions on the most important factors for ensuring child protection at schools.
Authorities have not released further details about the status of the other accused individuals or any forthcoming legal actions. The case highlights the challenges faced by parents, educators and regulators in safeguarding young children from abuse within private educational establishments.
As the police and the DoE continue to gather evidence, Chaudhary’s allegations underscore the need for stricter oversight of private playschools and more robust mechanisms for monitoring child welfare on school premises.
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