Nearly three days after a six-year-old kindergarten girl was allegedly assaulted by an eight-year-old Class 3 student at a government school in Panchkula, Haryana, two Junior Basic Training (JBT) teachers, Simranjit Kaur and Pooja Rani, have been suspended with immediate effect.
The incident occurred on October 28 at Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School in Sector 20, leaving the girl seriously injured and requiring treatment at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.
The suspension comes amid questions over student supervision and school safety. Panchkula Police have registered a case against the school principal, a class in-charge and a security guard for alleged negligence. The Haryana government has also constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the incident and ordered a review of school safety arrangements. The girl was reported to be stable and out of danger as of November 1.
Teachers Face Suspension
The District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO), Panchkula, suspended the two teachers with immediate effect following the incident. According to reports, both teachers will remain headquartered at the DEEO’s office during their suspension. The action follows growing concerns about the circumstances in which the assault occurred and whether adequate supervision was maintained on the school premises.
The incident took place between 3 pm and 4 pm on October 28. According to the girl’s family, the Class 3 student allegedly took her to an empty classroom on the first floor by telling her that her father was waiting for her. Once inside, he allegedly assaulted her, repeatedly hitting her head against a desk and striking her with objects, including a brick and a flowerpot.
CCTV footage reportedly captured the incident. The girl sustained serious injuries and was initially taken to a hospital in Panchkula before being referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, for further treatment. Her family has also raised concerns about the delay in discovering the incident and getting her medical attention.
Probe Into Negligence
Panchkula Police have registered a case against the school principal, the class in-charge and a security guard following a complaint by the girl’s family. The case reportedly invokes provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to alleged negligence. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the assault and the school’s response. The boy, who is eight years old, has also undergone medical assessment as part of the investigation.
The Haryana government has constituted a five-member committee to investigate the incident, with instructions to submit its findings within seven days. Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
The Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and sought a detailed report from the education authorities, including information about supervision arrangements, staff deployment and the action taken after the incident. The state government has further announced a comprehensive safety audit of schools. The investigation is expected to establish how the incident occurred and whether lapses in supervision contributed to the delay in identifying the girl’s injuries.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Schools must be spaces where children can learn, build friendships and feel safe, regardless of their age or background. This incident raises serious questions about child protection, classroom supervision and the responsibility of school authorities to respond promptly when a child is in danger. While the investigation must establish individual accountability based on evidence, it is equally important to examine whether existing safety procedures are adequate and consistently followed.
The response should extend beyond suspensions and disciplinary action to include better staff supervision, accessible reporting mechanisms, age-appropriate emotional guidance and effective communication between schools and parents. Children who display aggressive behaviour also require appropriate assessment and support, alongside measures that protect other students. How can schools, parents and education authorities work together to ensure that every child is protected and feels safe in the classroom?
#WATCH | Panchkula, Haryana: DCP, Panchkula, Aditi Singh said, "On October 28, an unfortunate incident came to light at the Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 20, Panchkula, in which an 8-year-old student assaulted a 6-year-old student inside a classroom. Currently, the female student is undergoing treatment at PGI Chandigarh and is out of danger. Her parents are with her, and she is safe. The minor student involved in this case, who is 8 years old, is undergoing a psychological evaluation by experts in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, and further proceedings will be conducted accordingly. During the police investigation, the negligence of the school administration also came to light prima facie. In view of this, we have registered an FIR against them under the sections of the JJ Act and the BNS, and this investigation will be conducted with complete impartiality and seriousness. Following this incident, we have taken a decision that a detailed SOP will be issued for the schools in Panchkula, which will be mandatory for all schools here to follow…" (Source: Police)
— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2026
