Delhi Government Threatens Takeover of Janakpuri School Over Safety Lapses

The Directorate of Education (DoE) in New Delhi has issued a show-cause notice to a private school in Janakpuri, threatening to take over its management due to significant safety violations. This action follows the alleged rape of a three-year-old girl by a 57-year-old caretaker on the school premises in late April 2026. The DoE highlighted critical lapses, including the absence of CCTV cameras in sensitive areas and the unauthorized operation of nursery classes at a separate location approximately one kilometer from the main campus. Education Minister Ashish Sood stated that if the school's response to these issues is unsatisfactory, the department will assume control. The notice cites violations of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules, 1973, regarding child protection and institutional safety. Meanwhile, the victim's relatives have protested outside the school demanding strict punishment for the accused, who was arrested and later granted bail. The incident has also sparked political controversy, with the Aam Aadmi Party alleging government attempts to suppress the issue.