Gurugram student murder probe as it happened : 2 school staffers sent to two-day police custody

Forensic team has recovered weapon, says Gurugram police chief

#RyanMustAnswer#MegaExclusive
The forensic team has recovered the weapon: Sandeep Khirwar, Gurugram Police Chief https://t.co/4fqxBVUizL pic.twitter.com/DbU0P15R8u

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) September 13, 2017

Nothing has been destroyed; we have sufficient evidence from crime scene, says Gurugram Police chief Sandeep Khirwar

We hope our investigation satisfies parents, court in due course, says Gurugram police chief

Gurugram police chief Sandeep Kairwar says they are trying their best to satisy the parents and the court through their investigation. “There are legitimate questions which we are trying to answer, in due course we will find the answer,” says Kairwar.

Gardener claims to have seen Pradyuman lying in blood, debunking earlier versions 

Harpal, 25, an employee of the Ryan International School on Sohna Road, said he saw the Class II student lying in a pool of blood in the corridor close to the toilet’s main door.

“I went there to have water from the water cooler installed near the toilet. Some children were shouting ‘please call Anju Madam’. At the same time, I saw the bus conductor coming from the main gate side. Kumar’s clothes didn’t have any blood stains on them,” said Harpal, a gardener in the school.

“Minutes later, Anju Madam arrived there and sought the bus conductor’s help to carry the child to a vehicle to shift him to a private hospital. Kumar took Praduman to the vehicle,” Harpal said. – IANS

Pradyuman’s classmate refuses to return to school; shares details of fateful day

#EXCLUSIVE - Pradhyuman's classmate speaks exclusively to CNN-News18 #RyanInternationalSchool. pic.twitter.com/Vc79PhzqnQ

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 13, 2017

However, 15-minute CCTV capture nails conductor Ashok as killer

#RyanMustAnswer
Big revelation: CCTV captured conductor going inside toilet. Watch this detailed report from @ShamsTahirKhan pic.twitter.com/anlCRWPpuH

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) September 13, 2017

Police plan to recreate crime scene

Multiple versions of what happened and pressure from parents and media has perhaps led police to start fresh interrogation. What seemed like an open and shut case is probably being reviewed. Police even plans to recreate the murder scene. 

#BREAKING - Entire teaching staff of #RyanInternationalSchool called inside school premises for interrogation | @TanushreePande pic.twitter.com/qP1Kp3iE5C

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 13, 2017

The entire staff arrives at school

Gurugram: Principal and teachers reach #RyanInternationalSchool (Bhondsi) as police have called them for investigation. pic.twitter.com/uAIdAV1WlE

— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

Ryan International principal grilled for eight hours in the school premises

Gardener and supervisor debunk the theory of conductor being the killer

Fifteen cars arrive at Ryan International School; cops say everyone’s a suspect

All 50 teachers of Ryan International school have been called for questioning

#BREAKING - Entire teaching staff of #RyanInternationalSchool called inside school premises for interrogation | @TanushreePande pic.twitter.com/Wmr28ZSyfI

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 13, 2017

Pradyuman Thakur’s father has opposed bail plea

The father of a seven-year-old boy murdered inside the Gurugram branch of the Ryan International School in Haryana last week, filed an application on Wednesday in the Bombay High Court seeking dismissal of the anticipatory transit bail plea filed by the school’s trustees.

Varun Thakur intervened through his lawyers Sushil K Tekriwal and Mamta Tekriwal in the hearing of the bail plea of the three school trustees – Augustine F Pinto, Grace Pinto and Ryan Pinto.

HR Jayesh head Jayesh Thomas sent to Bhondsi till 18 September

HR head Jayesh Thomas of #RyanInternationalSchool sent to Bhondsi. Will produced to special court on Sept 16 @HTGurgaon @htdelhi @htTweets pic.twitter.com/Jw91yU3lg8

— Dr. Leena Dhankhar (@leenadhankhar) September 13, 2017

Ryan International School in Greater Noida brings in new rules to ensure safety of students

#RyanInternationalSchool Greater Noida brings various rules to ensure safety. Promises verification of staff @htTweets @HTNoidaGzb pic.twitter.com/0NLRVh4Dgl

— Vaibhav (@Vaibhav_Rptr) September 13, 2017

Student unions from Mumbai demand proper investigation

#Studentunions from #Mumbai ask for proper investigation in #PradyumnaMurderCase against #RyanInternationalSchool at #Bombayhighcourt pic.twitter.com/Vd6l1CQ5a1

— Vidya (@journovidya) September 13, 2017

Maneka Gandhi, Prakash Javadekar to hold meeting soon

A high-level meeting will be chaired by Maneka Gandhi, Prakash Javadekar along with officials of the two ministries, NCPCR, CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan for tightening child safety on school premises.

Ryan International Group’s northern zone head Francis Thomas sent to police remand till 16 September

#Ryan International Group's northern zone head Francis Thomas sent to police remand till Sept16,HR head sent to judicial custody till Sept18

— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

Gruesome details of what happened and what the school claimed

#RyanInternationalSchool boy's death: Here are some of the gruesome details that have come to light#middayNews https://t.co/RdFYiHyTVC pic.twitter.com/SgbvaAWMtO

— Mid Day (@mid_day) September 13, 2017

Ryan Group official had moved SC seeking transfer of case

An official of the Ryan Group on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the student murder case from outside a local court at Sohna, alleging the bar has restrained lawyers from representing the accused in the sensational case.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Amitava Roy and AM Khanwilkar considered the submission of senior advocate KTS Tulsi that the fundamental right of a person to be represented by a lawyer of his choice is getting infringed.

Interim relief for Pintos to continue

#BREAKING - #RyanInternationalSchool Murder Case: Interim relief for Pintos to continue. pic.twitter.com/OHG8llhjck

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 13, 2017

Bail plea was file by Pintos on Monday

The bail plea by the trustees of the St Xaviers Education Trust — which manages the Ryan International Schools across India was filed apprehending arrest on Monday. 

The Pinto family had applied for the anticipatory transit bail to move an appropriate judicial authority in Haryana — which came up for hearing on Tuesday when the court posted it for Wednesday. IANS

Bombay HC defers hearing of Pintos, founders of Ryan Empire

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday adjourned till afternoon the hearing in the anticipatory bail plea filed by Ryan International School trustees in a case involving the murder of a Class II student at their Gurugram branch.

The adjournment follows an intervention application — filed by the father of seven-year-old Pradhyuman Thakur, who was murdered inside the Haryana school on 8 September — seeking dismissal of the anticipatory transit bail plea filed by the school trustees.

Barun Chandra Thakur intervened through his lawyers Sushil K Tekriwal and Mamta Tekriwal in the hearing of the bail plea of the three school trustees – Augustine F Pinto, Grace Pinto and Ryan Pinto. IANS

Transit anticipatory bail application of Pintos adjourned for Thursday

Pradyuman death case: Transit anticipatory bail applications of AF Pinto, Grace Pinto & Ryan Pinto adjourned for tomorrow

— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

Ryan International Group’s northern zone head Francis Thomas, branch (Bhondsi) coordinator produced in Sohna court

Pradyuman death case: Ryan International Group's northern zone head Francis Thomas & branch (Bhondsi) coordinator produced in Sohna court

— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

There was no verification process for us, says Ryan International School security guard

School never asked for any verification process, management said our contract has ended; Blood was mopped off crime scene: Security Guard pic.twitter.com/wRSAWseHiu

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 13, 2017

Ryan school management to appear in Sohna court at 4 pm

The management of Ryan International school will appear in the Haryana court at 4 pm today, News18 reported.

Victim’s father opposes pre-arrest bail plea of Ryan trustees
 

The father of murdered Class II student Pradyuman Thakur is opposing the pre-arrest bail plea of the Ryan group trustees, News18 reported.

Actress Renuka Shahane ‘horrified’ at brutal murder, bashes school for security lapses

Shahane lists out a range of red flags that should have been enough to raise alarm at the school. 

In the case of the Gurugram murder there were so many breaches of security.

1. That the bus conductor or driver were allowed to use the same washroom as the kids.
2. The accused was allowed to carry a knife inside the school.
3. There was no female attendant from the school outside the washroom.
4. When the child screamed there was no one to help immediately.
5. The school management tried to cover up the crime
6. There was a huge breach in the school wall; no doubt a huge risk to the security of the school

School tried to tamper proof: Gurugram Police tells court

Bhopal Police issues advisory to schools after murder at Gurugram school

In view of murder at #Gurugram's Ryan Intl School,Bhopal Police issues advisory asking schools to undertake Police verification of staff.

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2017

Nitish Kumar speaks to deceased’s family, urges Manohar Lal Khattar to meet them

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday spoke with the family members of a seven-year-old boy who was killed in the toilet of a Gurugram school.

Kumar also spoke with his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar, requesting him to meet the family members who hail from Bihar’s Madhubani district.

Inspection of crime scene shows security at school far from satisfactory

CNN-News 18’s report from the crime scene revealed that the staff washrooms, where the 7-year-old’s body was found, was not secured properly. Lack of CCTV cameras in that particular section of school has been observed, also a broken window to the washroom could become an easy escape root for outsiders trying to break into the school premises. Watch the full report. 

#EXCLUSIVE – Visuals from the spot where Pradyman was killed at #RyanInternationalSchool | @TanushreePande pic.twitter.com/QRNvh8N0z9

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 11, 2017

HRD Ministry resends security advisory to private schools

The HRD ministry has once again sent the existing security advisory to private schools urging them to put in place the measures suggested. Union minister Prakash Javadekar said that he will also ensure that more women employees are hired to make the public space for kids safer.

In 2015, a five-year-old had died at the same school after falling into an open septic tank

According to CNN-News 18, another tragedy had hit the same branch of the Ryan International School, allegedly due to safety lapses. A five-year-old was found dead after he accidentaly fell into an open septic tank.

Ryan Pinto moves anticipatory bail plea

Three teachers, five other employees of Ryan International School being questioned

#EXCLUSIVE – 3 teachers and 5 other employees of #RyanInternationalSchool are detained inside a room | @akash_kolluru pic.twitter.com/rMjGqaDQzO

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 11, 2017

Haryana Police in Mumbai to question Ryan Interational’s owners: CNN-News 18

Ryan International School’s trustees seeks anticipatory bail

The trustees of the Ryan International Schools on Monday filed an application in the Bombay High Court seeking anticipatory transit bail to move an appropriate court in Haryana in a seven-year-old’s death at their Gurugram school, official sources said.

“Yes, the trust’s lawyers have moved an application for an anticipatory transit bail to enable them to go to Haryana and file an application before an appropriate court for relief,” said an official connected to one of the schools in Mumbai, who declined to be identified.

The matter is likely to come up for hearing before the High Court on Tuesday, the official added.

Section 2.2.5 of the guidelines is for bus drivers
 
“Specifically for bus drivers and conductors, whether employed by the school or contracted out, access area must be limited to just the bus area, and specific instructions must be given to them on which areas are out of bounds for them. It is therefore suggested that a toilet is provided in this area or other such clearly specified area with visible though secluded access, to prevent need for such persons to enter the actual school premises.”

Haryana Police team reaches Mumbai, reports CNN News18

Acting principal of school hospitalised

We had been interrogating Acting Principal since day before yesterday & she is in hospital now. Investigation underway: DCP South #Gurugram pic.twitter.com/1UJ10Kmvkz

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2017

Haryana Police says investigation moving in right direction

CNN News18 quoted Haryana Police officials saying that the investigation into the murder of Pradyuman has not yet completed. However, the police did add that the investigation is moving in the positive direction.

Recap: Education minister reiterates swift justice will be provided as parents’ protest turns violent

Haryana education minister Ram Bilas Sharma vowed that those responsible for the killing of a seven-year-old boy in a private school will be brought to book within a week.

Sharma, speaking to the press on Sunday, blamed the Ryan International School management and said that the state government will show no leniency to those behind the murder.

Read the full guidelines of the Gurugram Police

Which parts of Gurugram police guidelines were violated?

Section 2.2.1: There should be only one entry/exit point to the premises; side gates are to be avoided. In case there is a side gate, this must be manned by a security guard maintaining a record of every entry and exit in a register.

School flouted several security guidelines issued by state police for safety of students

With questions being raised over the security lapses that led to the killing of a 7-year-old boy in Gurugram’s Ryan International School on Friday, a three-member fact-finding committee has found major security lapses on part of its management.

Apart from not constructing separate toilets for bus drivers and conductors, and installing inadequate CCTV cameras in the campus, the school has been found to have flouted multiple other guidelines issued by Gurugram Police for the safety of children in schools.

Two school officials sent to two-day police remand

#UPDATE Pradyuman death case: #Ryan Int Group's northern zone head Francis Thomas & branch (Bhondsi) coordinator sent on 2-day police remand

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2017

Prakash Javadekar condemns murder, promises Centre’s co-operation to SC

Two incidents,one murder of a 7-yr-old in #Gurugram and another rape of a 5-yr-old in Delhi; both heinous crimes: P Javadekar, HRD Minister pic.twitter.com/re5hMzZc9T

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2017

Will definitely give reply to SC. We will arrive at a better solution by talking to everybody: P Javadekar, Union HRD Minister #Pradyuman pic.twitter.com/ObqbL1FxnW

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2017

Two school officials tampered with evidence, says police

Gurugram police says two school officials, Ryan International school’s north zone chief and Bhondsi branch coordinator of tampering with crucial evidence in the murder case, CNN News18 reported.

Police to also interrogate driver, gardener and others

#Pradyuman death case: Police to question #RyanInternationalSchool 's driver, gardener&few other people to probe possibility of accomplices

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2017

Ryan International School’s North Zone head produced in court

#Pradyuman death case: #Ryan International Group's northern zone head Francis Thomas & branch (Bhondsi) coordinator produced in Sohna Court pic.twitter.com/jpG0RSxxdz

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2017

Nitish Kumar speaks to Manohar Lal Khattar on case

Bihar chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar talked to the victim’s family over the phone and called Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who assured his Bihar counterpart that an impartial and fast probe was being conducted.

Owners demand anticipatory bail

Owners of Ryan International School in Gurugram have moved the Bombay High Court for anticipatory bail ahead of Pinto’s questioning, News18 reported. Gurugram Commissioner and DCP have visited Ryan International School. Meanwhile, Bihar chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar talked to the victim’s family over the phone and called Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who assured his Bihar counterpart that an impartial and fast probe was being conducted.

Ryan International CEO Pinto to be grilled in Mumbai  

With questions being raised over the security lapses that led to the killing of a 7-year-old boy in Gurugram’s Ryan International School on Friday, Haryana Police is sending a team to question the CEO of Ryan International Group Ryan Pinto in Mumbai, TV reports said.

CNN-News18 quoted Gurugram Police commissioner and reported that a total of 14 teams have been put together to crack this case and the teams will head to Mumbai to quiz the top brass of the organisation.

SC seeks CBSE response 

Supreme Court seeks CBSE’s response on plea seeking framing of guidelines to fix responsibility of schools on issue of children’s safety. 

PTI

Family seeks CBI probe into murder

Supreme Court issues notice to Centre on father’s plea seeking a CBI probe, reports PTI.

SC to hear plea on safety in private school​

Supreme Court agrees to hear separate PIL raising the issue of lack of safety measures in private schools across the country, reports PTI.

Supreme Court intervenes in Ryan School murder case
 
 
Supreme Court agrees to hear today plea of father of student killed in Gurgaon’s Ryan International School, reports PTI. He is seeking CBI or SIT probe.

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar says strictest action will be taken against whoever is found guilty

Sad incident,my sympathies to family. Strictest action to be taken against whoever is found guilty: Haryana CM on murder at Ryan Intl School pic.twitter.com/pxMBqcIGJ3

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Probe to be concluded in seven days, three member committee formed to investigate

Investigations into the gruesome murder of a seven-year-old boy at the Ryan International School in Gurugram will be concluded in seven days, the Gurugram police said on Saturday.

At a press conference, Gurugram police commissioner Sandeep Khirwar also said that a three member committee, which is also probing whether the school followed the safety and security norms, would submit a report on Monday.

Police officials said that a committee comprising the district education officer, block education officer and an officer of the women and child development department would submit a report on whether the school followed security norms.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand police orders schools to verify staff

After reports that Ryan International School did not undertake verification of teaching and non-teaching staff, the Uttarakhand police has issued an advisory to management of all schools to carry out verification of all staff members, The Times of India reported.

The school authorities have also been instructed to install CCTV cameras and keep the recording of people entering the school.

Victim’s parents are satisfied with the ongoing investigation: Police

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Haryana, told ANI “We talked to the boy’s father and other relatives. We have told them everything, what the culprit has admitted, what all evidence we have got. They are satisfied with the investigation. They demanded that action should be taken against the authorities of the school.”

“We have formed a new committee headed by DEO (District Education Officer) to probe the matter. The record will be checked,” he added.

Protests continue outside Ryan International School

Parents have been protesting since Friday against the negligence of the school authorities. Even as the police has already nabbed the accused and began further investigation, the parents are still protesting outside the campus. They want the school to be held accountable.

Ready for any kind of probe: Haryana chief minister

Once we get report, if facts are not clear we are ready for any kind of probe: Haryana CM on demand of high profile probe by victim's family pic.twitter.com/517nnXrlBb

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Manohar Lal Khattar terms it a ‘sad’ and ‘heinous’ crime

Sad incident & heinous crime. Administration has nabbed suspect; directed authorities to complete formalities within 7 days: Haryana CM pic.twitter.com/EifC53COd6

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Murder of Ryan International School student unfortunate: Prakash Javadekar

Union human resource development minister Prakash Javadekar called it an “unfortunate incident”. “The brutal murder of a seven-year-old student is an unfortunate incident,” Javadekar said, adding that it is like a warning to people and schools.

He told reporters that such incidents have raised alarms for parents and school management over the safety of children. “Investigation is going on and police have arrested an accused. I hope that justice will be served,” the minister said. – IANS

Tendency among common people to ask for CBI probe: Haryana PWD minister

After the victim’s mother demanded a CBI probe, Haryana’s PWD minister said that there is a tendency among common people to ask for CBI investigation. He told the mother that a CBI probe will be considered if they are not satisfied with the police investigation.

Assured that probe will be done to their satisfaction: Haryana PWD Min after meeting parents of boy murdered at #RyanInternationalSchool

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Parents protest outside school to demand justice and better security arrangement

Manohar Lal Khattar appeals for speedy trial

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that he has asked for a report and if lapses are found, appropriate action will be taken. He further said that he has appealed to the court to give the verdict as soon as possible.

Victim’s mother demands CBI probe, says principal should be sent to jail

Principal was indifferent when she came to hospital, put her in jail. I want to know what happened to my child, I want CBI: Mother of victim pic.twitter.com/RQNk1p89zD

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Haryana PWD minister visits family of victim

Gurugram: Haryana PWD Minister Rao Narbir Singh visited family of the 7-year-old who was found dead at #RyanInternationalSchool in Bhondsi pic.twitter.com/AY6niM6bjR

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Culprits will not be spared: CBSE

Just minutes after seeking a report from Ryan International School, CBSE formed a probe panel. “If the school administration is held responsible, its CBSE affiliation might get cancelled,” said Upendra Kushwaha, MoS HRD ministry.

“School has been asked to send a report along with FIR filed in this case with in two days and a fact finding committee has been set up to enquire into the matter in detail and to submit report at the earliest,” CBSE told News18.

Women and child development official part of three-member panel: Police

3 member committee has been formed to probe #RyanInternationalSchool horror. Accused will get stringent punishment: Faridabad Commissioner pic.twitter.com/rCdHaPqcex

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 9, 2017

CBSE forms probe panel after asking for report from school

Schools to be randomly checked from now: Police

While saying that all schools have been asked to submit their audit report, the police said that random checks will be conducted at schools from now on to check if they comply with the security directions.

Accused is remanded in police custody for three days: Gurugram police

The police further told reporters that they are interrogating the accused and if he someone else is found to be involved, appropriate action will be taken. Technical, scientific and documentary evidence will be taken into account, police added.

Committee to check loopholes in the security arrangement

The police is hopeful that when they will complete their investigation, it will satisfy everyone.

Committee has been formed to adjudge loopholes in security arrangement, report of which is expected on Monday: #Gurgaon Police Commissioner pic.twitter.com/Qp2oMGRApx

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Three-member committee studying safety compliance of school

In a press conference, Gurugram police said that to expedite the investigation, a special public prosecutor has been appointed along with a three-member committee. The committee members are at the school, studying its compliance to safety standards. The police has also ordered a comprehensive audit of all schools within 15 days.

The committee will submit its report on Monday and based on the report, further action will be taken.

Gurugram police hopes to file chargesheet within seven days

Will try to file charge sheet in court within 7 days&request for fast trial of case: Gurgaon Police Commissioner #RyanInternationalSchool pic.twitter.com/ylM9KKyEmH

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Something wrong has definitely happened: Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram

#IsYourSchoolSafe | 'Something wrong has definitely happened, hence this incident could happen': Vinay Pratap Singh, DC, Gurugram 2/2 pic.twitter.com/7bLc21SU5E

— Republic (@republic) September 9, 2017

Preliminary inquiry reveals accused already had the knife: DCP, Gurugram

DCP of Gurugram told CNN-News that according to the preliminary inquiry, the accused already had the knife with him when he came to the washroom. Inside the washroom, he tried to sexually assualt the victim but failed. Fearing that Pradyumna would disclose his identity, he killed the child, the DCP added.

Watch: Pradyumna’s sister says conductor entered premises unhindered

Vidhi Thakur, victim’s sister alleges conductor used to enter school without any hindrance #RyanInternationalSchool #SaveOurChildren pic.twitter.com/mqn6hggCEr

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 9, 2017

CBSE asks for a report from Ryan International School

#BREAKING -- CBSE has asked for a report from #RyanInternationalSchool: HRD sources #RyanMustPay #SaveOurChildren pic.twitter.com/LW8UNLpgFe

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 9, 2017

CBSE may revoke affiliation with Ryan International: Reports

Central Board of Secondary Education may revoke its affiliation with Ryan International School after the tragic incident, HRD ministry sources told CNN-News18

Conductors enter the school premises without hindrance: Victim’s sister
 

Pradyumna’s sister, who studies at the same school, told CNN-News18 that there is not much security at the school and conductors enter the school campus without any problems.

She also said that they can enter from the reception area or from anywhere else. Whenever the students tried to bring up the issue or complain about this, the teachers ignored them, she added.

This is not the first incident in Ryan International School: Another student died in 2016

On 20 January, 2016, a six-year-old student, Devansh Kakrora, died after he allegedly fell into a water tank in the Vasant Kunj branch of Ryan International School. Though the Delhi police had recorded the death under section 304(a) of the Indian Penal Code, dubbing it a death by negligence, his parents alleged that it was a pre-meditated murder.

Arrest of accused not enough, say angry parents

Parents have been protesting at Ryan International School since Friday because they want the school to be held accountable. According to NDTV , the parents say that the arrest of the accused is not enough.

Taking steps to ensure vigorous safety measure: Acting principal

ANI quoted the acting principal of Ryan International School, Gurugram as saying that authorities have taken up review of safety measure in the school. She also assured that necessary measures are being reinforced with help from experts and the police.

School authorities must be held accountable for security

The murder of a seven-year-old student in Ryan International School, Gurugram, brings to limelight the reality that it is high time private school authorities are held accountable for the safety and security of the school premises. In the last two years, deaths of three students have taken place in posh schools located in Delhi – National Capital Region.

Recovery of a sharp weapon near the body of the child, who was brutally murdered on Friday, is an evidence strong enough to prove that there was serious lapses in the security system of the school.

Read full opinion here

Parents vandalised school property while protesting

As soon as the news of Pradyumna’s murder broke, hundreds of other worried parents rushed to pick up their children from the school. Some of them threw the furniture around and shattered the glass.

Questions on the cause of the murder abound

While talking to CNN-News18, Pradyumna Thakur’s father said that there are two accused in the case. One is the person who committed the crime and the second is the school authority because they were responsible for the safety of Pradyumna.

While demanding justice, he said he also wants to know what were the circumstances under which the murder was committed. “What control does the administration have” he asked.

Bar Association decides not to represent the accused

#Gurugram: Members of Bar Association of Sohna decide not to appear on behalf of accused in #RyanInternationalSchool murder case pic.twitter.com/JYt5WxlWZ1

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Ashok’s family claims he is being used as a scapegoat

The accused, Ashok, was not a permanent employee of the school, according to CNN-News18. His family claims that he cannot do any such thing and he is being used as a scapegoat by the school authorities. While talking to CNN-News18, Ashok’s wife claimed that he was forced to say that he committed the crime.

Visuals from a Gurugram court where the accused has been sent to police remand

#Visuals from Gurugram: #RyanInternationalSchool Class 2 student murder case: Accused sent to 3 day police remand by #Gurugram court pic.twitter.com/BZkJviIkSH

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

The accused in the case Ashok Kumar has been sent to three-day police remand by a Gurugram court, according to ANI

Former acting principal Neerja Batra issued the following statement before being suspended

Following the tragic incident at our school yesterday, the school authorities have seriously taken up the review of the security measures at the school. All necessary improvements and measures are being audited and reinforced with the help of experts. We are also seeking advice from the police department to guide us in this regard. 

While we are all in great shock and grief at the loss of life of our beloved student Pradhyuman Thakur, we are taking these steps simultaneously to ensure vigorous safety measures in place for all our students and staff. We are closely working with the investigating authorities so that we could be guided further with their expertise.

Police said the accused had been working at the school for 6 to 8 months

Accused had been working here for past 6-8 mnths.He had gone to use toilet where he saw the boy.He had the knife with him in his pocket: DCP pic.twitter.com/jQ8iTfFMee

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2017

Bus conductor Ashok Kumar was arrested last night

The police claimed to have cracked the case hours after the gruesome murder with the arrest of Ashok Kumar, one of the school’s bus conductors. Sumit Kuhar, DCP Crime, Gurgaon, said the alleged killer had also tried to sodomise the Class 2 student.

“But when the student resisted and cried, he killed him and fled after leaving the knife behind,” the DCP claimed.

The police, who said they had detained ten people, added they zeroed in on the accused after two students saw him walking down a corridor.

Ashok Kumar confessed to the crime after being grilled by a team, the police said.

PTI

Ashok, the main accused in the case of attempted sexual assault and murder of a 7-year-old boy at #Gurugram's Ryan International School pic.twitter.com/gg3ZoQhw5f

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2017

“This school is known for cases of negligence”

“We don’t believe it is a case of sexual assault and this school is known for previous cases of negligence. Let us at least visit the location and look for ourselves,” the victim’s uncle said, according to CNN-News18 .

Meanwhile, the All India Parents Association has slapped a Rs 100 crore fine against Ryan International and have demanded a shutdown of the school, the report said.

Haryana’s education minister said that the matter will be resolved shortly.

Going to Gurugram tomorrow. Culprit won't be spared. Sympathies with child's parents: Haryana Education Minister on #Gurugram school murder pic.twitter.com/rAr6qdhbJg

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Centre steps in

Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar says government has formed a committee to probe the incident, and action will be taken against the guilty soon.

“My son did not even know the bus conductor”

Jyoti, the mother of the victim, said, “My son did not even know the bus conductor as he never traveled in bus, we used to drop him and pick him.” 

The school could not even ensure basic safety for my son, how will then parents send children to school?: Jyoti,mother of victim #Gurugram pic.twitter.com/866hOANmCB

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

CNN-News18  reports that Ryan International School has not had a single full-time principal in a year

#EXCLUSIVE -- #RyanInternationalSchool has no full-time Principal for 1 year now, CNN-News18's @TanushreePande with details #SaveOurChildren pic.twitter.com/kNLwwU6vnJ

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 9, 2017

Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar assures justice will be served

Unfortunate. It's like warning to ppl&schools. Justice will be served for sure: Union HRD Min Prakash Javadekar on Gurugram school murder pic.twitter.com/w3bGHWwaBb

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Post-mortem concludes excessive blood loss caused death

Forensic expert Deepak Mathur, who conducted the post-mortem, said, “The deceased had two cuts on his neck. His throat was almost completely slit. Haemorrhage and excessive blood loss caused the death,” IANS reported.

Protests across the city

Several protests over the murder were held all over Gurugram and traffic was disrupted in many parts. Part of the busy Delhi-Jaipur highway, Alwar-Sohna road and a few arterial roads were blocked, according to IANS.

Parents refuse to accept dead body 

Police sources said the parents of the boy refused to accept the body and said the cremation would only be held after the culprits were caught, IANS reported.

Police has stepped up security outside and around the school, and has denied reports that the school has been temporarily sealed

Heavy security in #RyanInternationalSchool after a 7yr old boy was found dead with injury marks in school premises yesterday #Gurugram pic.twitter.com/r26pQFmc6H

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

#Gurugram: People protest outside #RyanInternationalSchool after body of a 7-year-old student was found in school premises yesterday pic.twitter.com/HH1ObITtUM

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

The lawyer of the victim’s family assured action against the school management

Action against school management is sure, the Principal has been suspended: Lawyer of the victim of #RyanInternationalSchool pic.twitter.com/fzdnjoRI1V

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Gurugram DCP confirms that the school’s current principal has been suspended

Suspended Principal.Took action against security agency of the school. Special Committee probing case: Gurugram DCP #RyanInternationalSchool pic.twitter.com/OD15XWT2cO

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017

Parents protest outside the school demanding justice for the murder of the 7-year-old student

#SaveOurChildren -- Agitated and angry parents protest outside #RyanInternationalSchool, CNN-News18's @akash_kolluru with more details pic.twitter.com/JbKI7J1Tzp

— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 9, 2017