Ryan International School murder: Three-member committee formed to probe security loopholes

Deputy commissioner of Gurgaon Vinay Pratap Singh has formed a three-member committee, which includes the district education officer, to find loopholes in the security arrangement at Ryan International School, Bhondsi. The team has been directed to submit a report in this regard by Monday, said Singh.

Deputy commissioner (DC) of Gurgaon Vinay Pratap Singh has formed a three-member committee, which includes the district education officer, to find loopholes in the security arrangement at Ryan International School, Bhondsi. The team has been directed to submit a report in this regard by Monday, said Singh.

Parents gather outside Ryan International School, Bhondsi. An 8-year-old was found dead with his throat slit inside the school on Friday morning. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)

“The school management has suspended the officiating school principal on Saturday after parents demanded action against her,” said Singh.

The probe committee was formed after the agitated parents protested against the police and school management and demanded suspension of the school chairman and principal.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) too has taken suo-motu cognizance of the murder of an eight-year-old after visiting the school premises on Friday evening and have directed action under relevant sections of Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.

“Prima facie, we have found negligence on part of the school and we have asked the deputy commissioner and commissioner of police to submit a detailed status compliance report within seven days”, said Priank Kanoongo, member, NCPCR (education).

Meanwhile, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has sent mail to the school management asking them to appear before them on Monday with all relevant or supporting documents of the case. “We have asked them to bring all the related documents and pieces of evidence of the case else action will be initiated under the provision of Juvenile Justice Act,” said Shakuntala Dhull, chairperson CWC.

Haryana education minister, Ram Bilas Sharma is also scheduled to visit the Gurgaon school on Sunday to take stock of the situation.

Meanwhile, the Gurgaon deputy commissioner has asked for an audit of schools across the city for their security measures.

Haryana chief minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, said reports have been sought on the shortcomings of school authorities and from the district education officer and block education officer.

“The school management has suspended the principal of the school as of now. It is also in the process of changing the agency responsible for security on the school campus. If any negligence is found, action will be taken,” he added.

Khattar said that the additional chief secretary, school education, had been directed to review arrangement of security and CCTVs in schools, and a circular would also be issued in this regard soon.