Haryana Forms Five-Member Panel to Probe Assault on Six-Year-Old Girl with Special Needs in Panchkula School

October 31, 2026

Chandigarh: The Haryana government has constituted a five-member inquiry committee to investigate the alleged assault of a six-year-old girl with special needs by a Class III student inside a school in Sector 20, Panchkula.

The decision was announced on Saturday after the incident raised concerns over child safety and supervision in educational institutions. The government has also announced that it will bear the entire cost of the child’s treatment and conduct a safety audit of schools across the state.

Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said negligence involving the safety and welfare of children would not be tolerated. He expressed concern over the girl’s recovery and said the government stood firmly with her family.

Five-Member Committee to Submit Report in Seven Days

The Panchkula district administration has ordered an immediate inquiry. The five-member committee is headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner and includes the District Education Officer, District Child Protection Officer, a police officer nominated by the Commissioner of Police, and a special educator or child psychologist.

The panel has been asked to submit a detailed report within seven days.

It will examine CCTV footage to establish the sequence of events and check whether teachers, assistants and special educators were present on duty. The committee will also investigate possible lapses in supervision and safety arrangements, including any delay in providing first aid or taking the child to hospital.

It will examine whether the school followed the Ministry of Education’s School Safety and Security Guidelines, 2021, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Child Undergoing Treatment at PGI Chandigarh

The girl sustained serious injuries after the older student allegedly attacked her with bricks, stones and a flowerpot inside a classroom.

According to the police, the assault allegedly continued even after the child lost consciousness. She was also allegedly dragged across the school premises.

The injured girl was initially taken to the Civil Hospital in Sector 6, Panchkula. Due to the seriousness of her condition, doctors referred her to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, for specialised treatment.

A senior officer has been assigned to assist the family during the child’s treatment.

Police Probe Underway, Statewide School Safety Audit Ordered

The police are conducting a separate investigation, with legal procedures being followed under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The identities of both children and the school are being kept confidential to protect the families.

On the Education Minister’s directions, the department will also carry out a safety audit of schools across Haryana, including Panchkula.

The review will focus on supervision of young children and students with special needs, the functioning of CCTV systems and emergency response arrangements.

The government said the measures were aimed at strengthening safety and accountability in schools across the state.

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