Panipat School Principal, Bus Driver Arrested for Corporal Punishment of 7-Year-Old

A day after being booked for allegedly subjecting a Class 2 student to corporal punishment for not doing homework, the principal and bus driver of a private school in Panipat were arrested on Monday. The accused, Reena (principal) and Ajay (bus driver) of Srijan Public School, were produced in court and granted two days of police custody.

Police said the duo admitted to the crime during interrogation. The child was reportedly tied upside down from a window and slapped, as a “lesson” for being mischievous. Investigations also revealed the principal forced students to collect garbage, while the driver demanded children call him “chacha,” threatening those who disobeyed. The incident came to light after a photo of the child was circulated on social media.

The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken note, holding a meeting with district officials. The District Education Officer confirmed the school was operating without recognition and had previously been issued a closure notice. DC Virender Kumar Dahiya has ordered inspections of unregulated schools across the district to prevent similar incidents and take strict action against violators.