The case came to light after the child’s parents noticed a change in his behaviour and injuries on his body. He also had bruises on his face and arms. New Delhi: A 35-year-old playschool attendant has been arrested for allegedly physically assaulting a three-year-old boy after tying him to a chair at a playschool in northeast Delhi’s Maujpur, police said on Sunday.
The boy had been afraid to visit the washroom for several days, appeared agitated, and cried uncontrollably at night, according to police.
The family approached police on Friday, following which officers reached the playschool premises and began an investigation. The staff initially cited technical problems and deferred the request. The footage was later seized by police along with the school’s CCTV DVR. An FIR was subsequently registered naming four school officials, including the director, principal, teacher and attendant. Police are also examining the roles of the director and principal.
When the father returned the following day, school officials allegedly demanded ₹1,500 to show the footage. The attendant was arrested, while the 30-year-old teacher has been asked to join the investigation.
Police said the child’s father, an advocate, then approached the playschool administration seeking CCTV footage from the premises. The CCTV footage allegedly showed the toddler being pulled by his ears, tied to a chair for hours, kicked and repeatedly struck, police said. Police said some staff members allegedly attempted to blame the child and cited his behaviour to justify the alleged physical abuse.
“Upon returning the following day, school officials allegedly demanded ₹1,500 to show the footage.
After paying the amount, the family viewed the recordings, which captured acts of physical violence,” an officer said, according to a Hindustan Times report.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
