NEW DELHI: Two students, aged 12 and 13, were sexually assaulted allegedly by their fellow schoolmates at a government school in outer Delhi, according to officials.
Swiftly acting in the matter, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal ordered the suspension of the vice principal for failing to act on the complaint filed by one of the victims.
According to reports, a 13-year-old boy studying in the 8th grade was allegedly sexually assaulted by fellow students during a summer camp in April 2023.
The boy revealed that he was forcibly taken to a nearby park where he endured sexual assault for a prolonged period. He further claimed that the perpetrators had threatened him to maintain silence about the incident. Despite the ordeal, the boy recently mustered the courage to confide in two of his teachers, only to be discouraged from reporting the matter.
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A separate allegation from another boy, aged 12, follows a similar pattern. The boy claimed that during the same summer camp, he too experienced sexual assault within the school restroom.
Shockingly, he recounted an additional attempt at sexual assault approximately 16 days prior, which he reported to teachers in July and August. However, these educators allegedly advised him against disclosing the incident.
Meanwhile, Delhi education minister, Atishi, has taken proactive measures by urging the Directorate of Education to ensure comprehensive training for all principals and teachers, specifically on the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The directives aim to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a secure and nurturing educational environment.
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Atishi reaffirms the Delhi government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students within school premises. The holistic development of students remains a top priority for the government.
On Monday, Swati Maliwal, chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), issued notices to both the Delhi Police and the Delhi government in connection with the incident.
The commission was informed that the parents of the first victim became aware of the incident approximately six days ago. Upon visiting the school, the principal allegedly instructed them not to discuss the matter.
Police have registered two separate FIRs at Shahbad Dairy. The accused children have been taken into custody and sent to a juvenile detention facility.