Four persons were taken into custody on Saturday in connection with the alleged assault of a 16-year-old differently-abled boy at a residential school, after disturbing videos of the incident went viral on social media, police said.
Disturbing footage triggers police action
According to the police, the incident took place nearly three months ago but came to light only recently after a former employee of the school shared the video with the boy’s parents. The footage allegedly shows the teenager being brutally beaten inside the institution meant for children with disabilities.
In one of the videos circulating online, a man is seen hitting the boy repeatedly with a belt and a pipe, while pinning him down with his foot as the child cries out for help. The visuals have sparked widespread outrage and concern over the safety of children in residential care institutions.
School run by couple, FIR registered
Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal said the school is run by a husband-and-wife duo. “As per the video in circulation, the couple is seen assaulting the 16-year-old boy with a pipe and other objects,” he stated.
Following a complaint lodged by the boy’s parents, police registered a First Information Report under relevant provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. “We have secured the couple who manage the school and two caretakers working at the institution as part of the investigation. Due process will be followed,” Goyal said.
Video recorded by staff member
Police said the video was originally recorded by a staff member at the time of the incident. “After the individual was removed from service, the video was shared with the child’s parents, who then approached the police,” the SP explained.
Investigators are now verifying the role of other caretakers and staff members at the residential school to determine whether there were additional lapses or acts of abuse that went unreported.
Departments roped in for inquiry
The police have sought assistance from the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled Persons and the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) as part of a wider inquiry into the functioning of the institution.
Officials said strict legal action would be initiated against all those found responsible after a thorough investigation. Authorities have also assured the family that the child’s safety and welfare will be prioritised as the case progresses.