New Delhi, Aug. 31 -- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday ordered strict action against a private playschool in Maujpur after a three-year-old child was allegedly tied to a chair and physically assaulted, with the premises subsequently sealed over multiple safety and building violations.

The Chief Minister's Office said Gupta had taken "serious cognisance" of the "deeply disturbing" incident at Makoons Kids Unplugged pre-school and daycare activity centre in Jammu Mohalla, Maujpur. "Delhi Government will ensure that responsibility is fixed and those found guilty face the strictest action under law," the CMO said.

An attendant has been arrested in connection with the assault, while a teacher, school principal and director have been booked. Police are investigating the case.

An inspection by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Yamuna Vihar) found several violations at the premises. The playschool did not have a fire safety certificate, sanctioned building plan or completion/occupancy certificate. Inspectors also found the emergency exit and staircases blocked, while the only fire extinguisher was non-functional.

The inspection report further stated that a borewell had been installed without permission and that the rooms lacked proper ventilation. Classes were allegedly being conducted in the basement in violation of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. The school was also operating commercial activity in a residential area and running a kitchen with domestic LPG cylinders.

After the school management failed to produce satisfactory replies or required permissions, the premises were sealed "to ensure public safety", the SDM said.

Gupta said inhumane treatment of children would not be tolerated and accountability would extend to school management wherever negligence is found.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Ashish Sood said an inquiry was underway into the death of a student at a school in East Vinod Nagar. The concerned teacher has been transferred pending the inquiry.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.