Delhi Govt Seals Maujpur Playschool Over Alleged Abuse of 3-Year-Old Boy
The Delhi government on Monday directed officials to seal a private daycare and playschool in northeast Delhi's Maujpur, under the jurisdiction of the Jafrabad police station, where a three-year-old boy was allegedly tied to a chair for hours and physically assaulted over several days. An inspection of the centre also uncovered multiple regulatory and fire-safety violations.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered strict action against those responsible, stating that school managements and other personnel would face action wherever negligence was established. Gupta expressed displeasure over the alleged physical and sexual abuse of the child and assured the family of legal assistance if required.
The incident came to light after the child's parents noticed bruises on his face and arms, along with behavioral changes such as uncontrollable crying at night and fear of using the washroom. A medical examination at GTB Hospital indicated injuries, including swelling in both ear canals. The father, a 33-year-old advocate, approached the administration on August 25 for CCTV footage. After staff initially cited technical issues, the family was allegedly asked to pay ₹1,500 the next day to view the recordings. The footage from August 16, 17, and 18 allegedly showed a teacher and an attendant pulling the boy by his ears, slapping and kicking him, and tying him to a chair with an apron.
A 35-year-old attendant has been arrested, while a 30-year-old teacher remains absconding. The school principal and director have also been named in the case. Police registered a First Information Report at Jafrabad police station under sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alongside Section 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Sections 75 and 82 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
The sealing followed an inspection by the office of the sub-divisional magistrate (Yamuna Vihar). An inspection report dated August 31 found that the playschool lacked a fire safety certificate, a sanctioned building plan, and a completion or occupancy certificate. The sole fire extinguisher on the premises was non-functional, and the emergency exit and staircases were blocked.
Officials also discovered that the facility was operating commercial activities out of a residential property, used domestic LPG cylinders in a first-floor kitchen, had an unauthorized borewell, lacked adequate room ventilation, and conducted classes in the basement in violation of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957.
