States » NorthPosted at: Nov 4 2026 3:01PM


Panchkula school assault victim discharged from PGIMER; social worker pledges lifelong educational support

By Kamlesh Kali
Panchkula, Nov 4 (UNI) A six-year-old girl who suffered severe injuries after allegedly being assaulted by an eight-year-old student at a government school in Panchkula was discharged from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, on Wednesday after a week of hospitalisation, bringing relief to her family as a local social worker pledged to fund her education.
The kindergarten student, who sustained serious head and facial injuries in the October 28 attack at Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School in Sector 20, returned home with her parents following a marked improvement in her condition.
Her discharge comes amid continuing investigations into the assault, which sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about child safety, supervision and accountability in government schools.
Family members said the girl had shown steady signs of recovery following intensive medical treatment. Her return home has brought considerable relief to her parents, who had spent the past week anxiously awaiting an improvement in her condition.
The incident haS triggered protests by parents and prompted the Haryana government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against school officials over alleged lapses in supervision and security.
In a significant development, social worker Anil Thapar has announced that he will bear the entire cost of the girl's education, pledging to ensure that the traumatic incident does not disrupt her academic future.
Thapar revealed that the child had previously attended Sai Ki Pathshala, an educational initiative run by him, before being admitted to the government school.
Describing her as an exceptionally bright and enthusiastic student who excelled in academics and actively participated in recreational activities, Thapar said he intended to readmit her to his institution to provide a safe and supportive learning environment.
He said he would personally finance her education for as long as she continued her studies.
Thapar also disclosed that he haS spoken to the girl through a video call and met her father at PGIMER, although he was yet to meet the child in person.
He expressed confidence that the girl would gradually overcome the psychological impact of the assault and return to her normal routine with appropriate care, encouragement and educational support.
The October 28 incident occurred when an eight-year-old Class III student allegedly took the girl to an empty classroom on the school premises and repeatedly attacked her with a brick and other objects, leaving her unconscious.
The assault, captured on CCTV cameras, triggered public anger over the apparent failure of school authorities to prevent the attack and ensure the safety of younger students.
Following the incident, Panchkula police registered cases in connection with the assault and alleged negligence by school authorities.
The Haryana School Education Department subsequently suspended principal Neelu and two Junior Basic Training teachers, Simranjeet Kaur and Pooja Rani, in connection with the incident.
The eight-year-old boy accused of the assault was sent to an observation home in Ambala following proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board. He subsequently underwent a psychological assessment at Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh.
The Haryana government also constituted a five-member committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident and examine possible administrative and supervisory failures.
The Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights separately took cognisance of the case and sought a detailed report from the district education authorities.
The incident has intensified demands for stricter monitoring of school premises, greater accountability of teaching staff and stronger preventive measures to protect young children from violence.
Although the investigation into the assault and alleged negligence remains underway, the girl's discharge marks an important step in her recovery.
For her family, the immediate priority is now her physical and emotional rehabilitation, while Thapar's educational assistance pledge offers support for her eventual return to school. UNI KK NST AAB
Tags: #Panchkula school assault victim discharged from PGIMER; social worker pledges lifelong educational support
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