DCPCR recommends registration of criminal case against school

The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights on Thursday recommended to the city police that it register a criminal case against Modern School, Vasant Vihar for its "negligence" in the death of its student Aakriti Bhatia.

In its report submitted to Police commissioner YS Dadwal, the DCPCR said, "the Commission has tentatively come to a conclusion that a case of criminal negligence is made out against the school authorities under 304 (A) (causing death due to negligence)."

The Commission had sent its two members -- Sarita Sarangi and MM Vidyarthi -- to probe the death of Aakriti, who died after allegedly failing to get timely medical aid after an asthma attack on April 19. The school has denied the allegation.

The police are yet to register an FIR in the matter despite demands by the parents of the girl.

"The commission examined all the 'relevant statements', documents and recorded statements of Aakriti's friends including Akarshika who was with the victim, besides reaching a tentative conclusion," DCPCR chairman Amod Kanth told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

The commission had also questioned eyewitnesses, including the nurse Lilly Kutty, who attended to the girl.

DCPCR has also based its findings in Aakriti's death on a detailed report received from Modern School principal Goldy Malhotra.

However, the Commission is yet to get a reply from the Northwest deputy commissioner of Police in the matter.