A school is meant to be a safe space for children, where parents trust teachers and staff to look after them during the day. But a disturbing incident at a government school in Panchkula, Haryana, has raised questions about how well that responsibility was fulfilled.
A six-year-old student was seriously injured in an alleged assault involving another student, triggering action against the school's staff. The principal and two teachers have been suspended, while the police have registered a case against three school employees.
But what exactly happened inside the school, how was the child found, and why are questions now being raised about the school's supervision?
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What Happened Inside The Panchkula School?
The incident took place at Shaheed Major Anuj Rajput Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School in Sector 20, Panchkula, between 3 pm and 4 pm on 28 October.
According to reports, the eight-year-old Class 3 student allegedly took the six-year-old girl to an empty classroom on the first floor. He then allegedly attacked her repeatedly, hitting her head against a bench and striking her with a brick and other objects. He also allegedly kicked and dragged her before leaving her unconscious.
The assault was captured on the school's CCTV cameras.
According to the girl's uncle, the two children did not know each other before 28 October. Their classes had reportedly been made to sit together that day. He alleged that the boy became angry after the girl called him “pagal” (mental) because he was troubling her.
The uncle further alleged that the boy told the girl that her father had arrived and took her to the empty classroom.
How Was The Injured Child Found?
According to the family, the girl remained inside the classroom for nearly two hours after the assault, with the room reportedly locked from outside.
When she did not come out after school, the auto-rickshaw driver waiting to take her home contacted her father. He reached the school and asked staff to search for her. Another child eventually led the family to the classroom, where she was found unconscious and seriously injured.
She was first taken to a private hospital in Panchkula before being shifted to PGIMER, Chandigarh. She suffered serious head and facial injuries, including a nasal fracture. Initially reported to be critical, she was showing signs of improvement as of 2 November but had not fully recovered.
What Action Has Been Taken Against The School Staff?
The Haryana Education Department suspended two Junior Basic Training (JBT) teachers, Pooja Rani and Simranjeet Kaur, on 31 October over alleged negligence. On 1 November, it also suspended school principal Neelu with immediate effect under Rule 5 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016.
The order was issued by Vijay Singh Dahiya, Principal Secretary to the state's School Education Department. During her suspension, Neelu's headquarters will be the District Education Officer's office in Ambala.
The action follows questions over whether school staff ensured adequate supervision when the incident occurred.
What Is The Police Investigation Looking At?
Panchkula Police registered an FIR on 31 October against the school principal, class in-charge and watchman under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, which deals with cruelty to a child, and Section 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), concerning acts endangering life or personal safety.
Separately, the eight-year-old boy was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), which directed on 31 October that he be sent to an observation home in Ambala as a place of safety while the inquiry continues.
The boy is also undergoing a psychological assessment to determine the factors behind the incident. Police said further action will depend on the assessment and investigation.
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Who Is Responsible For Keeping Children Safe?
The incident has drawn the attention of child protection authorities. The Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has sought a detailed report from the District Education Officer. The state government has also formed a five-member committee, headed by the Panchkula Additional Deputy Commissioner, to investigate the assault and possible lapses in supervision.
The government has announced a safety audit of schools across Haryana. Meanwhile, PGIMER has taken responsibility for the girl's medical expenses. Its director, Dr. Vivek Lal, visited her and assured the family of all possible medical assistance.
Beyond the suspensions, the incident raises a larger question: how did a child remain seriously injured inside a school without timely intervention?
The investigation will examine the school's accountability, possible supervision failures and measures to prevent similar incidents.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
Where did the Panchkula school assault take place?
The incident took place at Shaheed Major Anuj Rajput Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School in Sector 20, Panchkula, Haryana.
When did the six-year-old girl get assaulted?
The alleged assault took place on 28 October 2026, between 3 pm and 4 pm, inside the school premises.
Who allegedly assaulted the six-year-old girl?
An eight-year-old Class 3 student allegedly assaulted the six-year-old kindergarten student inside an empty classroom.
Why did the eight-year-old allegedly attack the girl?
According to the girl's uncle, the boy became angry after she called him “pagal” (mental) because he was troubling her. Police are investigating the circumstances.
How was the injured girl found inside the school?
According to the family, she remained inside the classroom for nearly two hours. When she did not come out after school, her father arrived and searched for her. Another child eventually led the family to the classroom, where she was found unconscious.
What injuries did the six-year-old girl suffer?
She sustained serious head and facial injuries, including a nasal fracture. She was initially treated at a private hospital in Panchkula before being shifted to PGIMER, Chandigarh.
What is the current condition of the Panchkula school assault victim?
As of 2 November 2026, the girl was showing signs of improvement but had not fully recovered.
Why was the Panchkula school principal suspended?
The Haryana Education Department suspended principal Neelu over alleged lapses in supervision following the incident.
Which teachers were suspended in the Panchkula school assault case?
Two Junior Basic Training (JBT) teachers, Pooja Rani and Simranjeet Kaur, were suspended on 31 October 2026 over alleged negligence.
Has an FIR been registered in the Panchkula school assault case?
Yes. Panchkula Police registered an FIR on 31 October 2026 against the principal, class in-charge and school watchman.
Which sections have been invoked in the Panchkula school assault FIR?
The FIR invokes Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and Section 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
What happened to the eight-year-old accused in the school assault case?
The Juvenile Justice Board directed that the boy be sent to an observation home in Ambala as a place of safety while the inquiry continues. He is also undergoing a psychological assessment.
What action has the Haryana Government taken after the school assault?
The government formed a five-member committee headed by the Panchkula Additional Deputy Commissioner to investigate the incident and possible supervision lapses. It also announced a safety audit of schools across Haryana.
Which child rights body is investigating the Panchkula school assault?
The Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has sought a detailed report from the District Education Officer.
Who is paying for the injured girl's medical treatment?
PGIMER, Chandigarh, has taken responsibility for her medical expenses. Its director, Dr. Vivek Lal, also visited her and assured the family of medical assistance.
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