NEW DELHI – The community of Janakpuri in West Delhi is reeling after a 57-year-old staff member at a private school was arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a three-year-old nursery student. The incident, which reportedly took place on the child's second day of school, has sparked intense public outcry and political debate over student safety and police conduct.

The incident came to light on May 1, 2026, when the survivor’s mother filed a formal complaint at the Janakpuri police station. According to the mother, her daughter complained of significant pain after returning from school on April 30.

The investigation began after the child revealed that a school caretaker had led her to an isolated area on the premises to assault her. Following this complaint, the three-year-old survivor was able to positively identify the 57-year-old staff member as her assailant. In response, police registered a formal case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to the punishment for rape.

The accused was arrested on May 1 and subsequently sent to judicial custody. However, a Delhi court granted him bail on Thursday, May 7, despite strong opposition from the prosecution.

The granting of bail has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, who questioned the message it sends regarding the safety of nursery-aged children in private institutions.

The investigation is currently mired in controversy following allegations of police inaction and family intimidation. The victim’s mother claimed that authorities failed to act immediately and forced her family to wait for hours at the station, while also suggesting a teacher’s potential involvement.

However, the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vichitra Veer has strongly denied these claims, asserting that the inquiry remains fair, professional, and impartial. To support their rebuttal, officials stated that the arrest occurred the same day the child identified the suspect and that all relevant CCTV and DVR footage has already been seized as evidence.

Authorities are currently examining the detailed bail order to consider available legal remedies. Forensic examinations and scientific evidence continue to be processed as the case moves forward.