Panchkula school horror: Boy who attacked KG girl gets bail, assault videos ordered off social media

PTC News Desk: The Juvenile Justice Board in Panchkula, Haryana, has granted bail to an eight-year-old boy accused of attacking a six-year-old girl at their school. It has also ordered that videos of the incident circulating on social media be removed.

The incident took place on October 28 at a government school in Sector 20, Panchkula. The Class 3 student allegedly hit the kindergarten girl on the head with a stone and a flowerpot and dragged her by her hair. CCTV footage of the incident led to widespread anger and raised concerns about children’s safety in schools.

Bail plea seeks counselling and rehabilitation 

In a bail application filed on November 4, the boy’s father said the child had cooperated with the investigation and had no previous criminal record. The application stated that the boy was 8 years and 8 months old and studied in Class 3 at Sanskriti Model Senior Secondary School in Sector 20.

The plea said keeping him in custody could affect his education, academic progress and overall development.

The parents also agreed to arrange counselling, behavioural guidance and rehabilitation, as advised by the authorities. They assured the Board that they would take responsibility for his upbringing, education and medical care, and would bring him before the Board whenever required.

Girl recovers at PGI

The six-year-old girl has made a significant recovery at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh after initially being in critical condition.

She was first taken to Civil Hospital in Sector 6, Panchkula, and was later shifted to PGI because of the seriousness of her injuries.

A recent hospital video showed her smiling in her mother’s lap and during a video call with her uncle, Fazil, who said her condition had improved considerably. Her family described her recovery as a second chance at life.

She was discharged on November 4. Her parents have decided not to discuss the assault with her for now, considering its possible psychological impact.

Police probe and action against school staff

Police registered a case against the school management under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. An FIR was also filed against the school principal, class in-charge and security guard.

The Haryana Human Rights Commission and the Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights have taken up the matter and sought reports from the authorities. The state Education Department has also formed a committee to investigate the incident.

Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said anyone found guilty of negligence would face action. The school principal and two JBT teachers have been suspended so far.

Senior officials are overseeing the investigation. Further action will be taken after the committee submits its report.