Delhi Proposes Takeover Of Janakpuri School Over Assault Cover-Up
On Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Delhi government issued a show-cause notice to a private school in Janakpuri, proposing to take over its management. The action follows systemic failures by the school administration, including the alleged cover-up of the sexual assault of a three-year-old nursery student, operating illegal branches in residential basements, and financial irregularities.
Education Minister Ashish Sood announced the decision, stating that the Directorate of Education has asked the school’s managing Trust to explain why the government should not take immediate control of the institution. The proposed takeover would be executed under Section 20(1) of the Delhi School Education Act (DSEA), 1973. The government is also prepared to recommend the cancellation of the school's land lease.
The show-cause notice was triggered by a series of severe lapses. On April 30, a three-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 57-year-old caretaker on the school premises. According to the Minister’s office, the school management deliberately failed to report the incident to the Directorate of Education, violating mandatory child protection laws.
Furthermore, when police visited the pre-primary branch to investigate the crime, all 64 CCTV cameras installed on the premises were found to be completely non-functional. The school had intentionally operated without a maintenance contract for the cameras.
Investigations also revealed that the school was illegally operating its nursery and KG classes from a private residential building in Narang Colony without any authorization. The basement of this unauthorized building was being used as an unsupervised activity area for minor children.
According to the official statement, the school lacked a Child Protection Policy, a Child Protection Committee, and a POCSO-trained Nodal Officer. Additionally, essential security staff, including guards, had not undergone mandatory police background verification.
Beyond safety violations, the school management allegedly engaged in financial irregularities. The administration diverted approximately ₹6 crores meant for staff retirement benefits to another branch under the guise of a "loan settlement." They also paid unauthorized professional fees to the school's manager and trustees out of the school fund.
Minister Sood emphasized that the government has zero tolerance for compromises on child safety, noting that the school is legally and morally responsible for every child on its premises.
