Delhi School Staff Accused In Child Assault Case Granted Bail Amid Outrage

A 57-year-old school staff member has been granted bail by a Delhi court after being accused of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl inside a private school in the Janakpuri area of West Delhi, police said on Friday. The case has triggered widespread concern and debate over child safety in educational institutions.

According to the complaint filed by the child’s mother on May 1 at Janakpuri police station, the alleged incident took place on April 30, just a day after the girl had joined the school. The mother stated that the child returned home from school complaining of pain, and later disclosed that she was taken to an isolated area within the school premises where she was allegedly assaulted by a 57-year-old caretaker.

Following the complaint, police registered a case under Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with punishment for rape, along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused was arrested on May 1 after the child reportedly identified him during the investigation and was subsequently sent to judicial custody.

However, the accused was granted bail by a Dwarka court on May 7 despite opposition from the prosecution, according to police. Authorities have also confirmed that CCTV footage from the school premises and other forensic evidence have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

The victim’s mother has alleged delays and lapses in the initial response, claiming that police did not act promptly and that another school staff member was also questioned in connection with the case. She further alleged that she and her child were made to wait for several hours at the police station during the inquiry.Political reactions have also followed.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the grant of bail and raised concerns about the handling of the case, echoing allegations made by the victim’s family regarding police conduct. He also claimed that senior police officials intimidated the family, allegations which police have strongly denied.

Also Read: Mahua Moitra Reports In-Flight Harassment Incident On IndiGo Flight To Delhi

In its official response, the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) stated that immediate action was taken after the complaint, including the medical examination of the child, arrest of the accused, and recording of the victim’s statement before the court. The police also said that relevant electronic and forensic evidence had been collected in accordance with legal procedures.

Rejecting allegations of misconduct, the police termed claims of harassment or intimidation as “false and baseless,” stating that the investigation was conducted in a “fair, professional and impartial manner.” The court’s detailed bail order is currently under review, and further legal steps are being considered by the investigating agency.

Also Read: Delhi CM Attends Launch Of Redeveloped ‘Jan Seva Connect’ Post Office