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Delhi govt may takeover management of Janakpuri private school after sexual assault on toddler
The Delhi government may take over the management of a private school in Janakpuri after a three-year-old girl was allegedly raped on the premises. A show-cause notice was issued on May 8 citing lapses in child safety, supervision, and compliance, with a three-day response window that ended May 11; authorities warn of possible takeover and lease actions if unresolved.
Why It Matters
The case tests regulatory oversight of private schools in Delhi and could set a precedent for enforcing child-safety norms and governance actions such as takeover or lease cancellation.
Timeline
5 Events
DoE plans disciplinary action; possible takeover of management
May 11, 2026
As of May 11, the DoE had not received a satisfactory reply from the school. The department planned to initiate disciplinary action, potentially withdraw recognition and take over the school's management, and may recommend to the Delhi Development Authority cancellation of lease or land allotment if the response remains unsatisfactory.
DoE issues show-cause notice to school
May 8, 2026
The Directorate of Education issued a show-cause notice citing lapses in child safety, supervision, and compliance. It flagged failures such as inadequate surveillance and absence of CCTV at sensitive locations, and alleged that nursery/pre-primary classes were run from a separate private premises about one kilometer from the main campus without approval. The DoE asked for details by Monday, including staff deployment, CCTV records, child safety policy, suspension procedures, safety certificates, and permissions for operating the separate premises.
Caretaker granted bail
May 7, 2026
The 57-year-old caretaker was granted bail by a court in Dwarka on May 7 despite strong opposition by the prosecution, after being in judicial custody since May 1.
Police register case; 57-year-old school staff member arrested
May 1, 2026
The child's mother filed a complaint at Janakpuri police station on May 1. A 57-year-old school caretaker was arrested in connection with the alleged assault. The child reportedly identified the accused; he was later produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.
Alleged sexual assault of three-year-old at Janakpuri private school
April 30, 2026
A three-year-old girl is alleged to have been raped on school premises on April 30, 2026. The child's mother lodged a police complaint on May 1 stating the assault occurred on April 30, the second day after her admission to the school; the incident reportedly happened in an isolated area inside the campus.