Gurgaon bus attack: Khattar meets students, lauds prompt action by staff

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar interacted with students of GD Goenka World School, Sohna, who were present in the bus when a group of miscreants attacked it.

Haryana chief minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, on Friday visited GD Goenka World School, Sohna, and interacted with the students, teachers and staff who were present in the bus on January 24 when a group of 50-60 miscreants had attacked it.

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar interacting with students and staff. (PHOTO: Sourced)

The attackers were allegedly part of a group protesting against the release of the film Padmaavat. There were 23 students and five teachers apart from staff members when the miscreants pelted stones on the bus. A Haryana roadways bus, carrying about 35 passengers, around 200m away was also set afire.

The CM became emotional while talking to the students and said, “That day the incident happened, I saw the scene on television and it came to my mind again and again as to why it (the incident) happened with the children. ”

He told the children that they had shown tremendous courage in the face of danger. He assured the children that he has taken cognizance of the incident. “What happened was not good. It was your courage that you could face all that and particularly your teachers, the way they provided rescue cover was fantastic. I praise it and I would recommend that the school and other authorities recognise it.”

The students narrated how the incident had unfolded and shared how their teachers had asked them to duck on the floor of the bus. One of the teachers told the CM that the students immediately took positions when they were instructed and obeyed without panicking.

After the interaction, the CM urged the students to put the incident out of their mind. He also spoke to the bus driver Ramesh and appreciated his presence of mind and his swift action.

“The chief minister took time out and interacted with the students one-on-one. He appreciated the way the teachers, driver and conductor helped the children. He also applauded everyone on the bus for their bravery and courage,” principal Dr Neeta Bali said.