New Delhi, September 2: A disturbing incident has emerged from a playschool in Maujpur, North East Delhi, where a three-year-old child was allegedly beaten and restrained to a chair. A video capturing the incident has raised serious concerns among parents and authorities alike.
According to the child’s parents, the boy was slapped, kicked, and tied to a chair for several hours using an apron. CCTV footage from August 16, 17, and 18 reportedly shows multiple instances of abuse. The father stated that on August 18, the child was restrained from approximately 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM, with prior incidents of slapping and tying up also reported.
The police noted a significant change in the child’s behavior since the beginning of the month. He began to fear going to school and even using the washroom, displaying signs of distress and crying at night. The parents observed bruises on his face and hands, prompting them to seek medical attention. A medical examination revealed swelling in both ear canals, leading doctors to question the possibility of physical abuse.
On August 18, after returning from school, the child complained of ear pain and experienced vomiting. The family took him to an ENT specialist, who confirmed signs of injury.
In response to the allegations, a 35-year-old female attendant has been arrested. The police seized the CCTV recorder from the school following a complaint from the child’s father and have registered an FIR. Investigations are ongoing regarding the involvement of two other suspects.
The father requested access to the CCTV footage on August 25, but the school initially delayed the request, citing technical issues. Allegations surfaced that the school demanded ₹1,500 to view the footage, which, once obtained, revealed the alleged abuse.
School staff attempted to justify their actions by claiming the child exhibited aggressive behavior, stating he would hit other children and throw chairs. The father clarified that his son has been receiving speech therapy and that previous complaints about his behavior were now understood in the context of the abuse he suffered.
The parents have also expressed concerns about potential sexual abuse, noting that their child has become fearful of physical contact. They are demanding a thorough investigation into the matter. The child has been attending the school for approximately a year and a half, and the family reported that he had shown signs of distress since early August.
The police have filed charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act, with the child undergoing medical examination at GTB Hospital. Medical records indicate scratches and bruises on his face and hands. The family is now seeking therapy to help their child recover from the psychological impact of this traumatic experience.