A shocking case of child abuse at a private school in Panipat, Haryana has triggered outrage and raised serious questions about student safety in educational institutions. Two disturbing videos from a school on Jattal Road here went viral on social media, showing brutal treatment of young children by staff members.
In one video, a Class 2 student was tied with ropes, hung upside down from a window, and beaten up by the school driver for not completing homework. The boy’s mother, Doli, a resident of Mukhija Colony, said her seven-year-old son had only recently been admitted to the school. She alleged that principal Reena summoned driver Ajay to punish the child, following which he carried out the assault.
Ajay even slapped the boy, made video calls to friends while abusing him, and uploaded the video online. The clip eventually reached the child’s family, exposing the abuse.
Another viral video shows principal Reena herself slapping and beating small children in full view of other students. She later defended her actions, claiming the children had misbehaved with two sisters and that she had informed parents before disciplining them.
However, her justification runs contrary to education ministry guidelines, which strictly prohibit corporal punishment. Parents also alleged that children were sometimes forced to clean toilets as punishment.
When confronted, principal Reena admitted she had asked Ajay to scold the boy on August 13, but insisted the driver had been dismissed in August itself due to repeated complaints about his behaviour. The boy’s family, however, alleged that Ajay attempted to intimidate them by sending a group of men to their house after the video surfaced.
Following the complaint, police at Model Town station registered a case under various sections of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. Officials said strict action would be taken against the accused.
The incident has sparked outrage among parents and activists, who say it highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement of child protection laws in schools.
(Reported by Pradeep Redhu, Panipat)
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