Parents file case against against JBCN after their 6-year-old is injured in the pool

A parent has filed a case against JBCN International School, Borivli, after her 6-yr-old daughter sustained injuries at the school's swimming pool. The school authorities and pool instructor didn't provide medical assistance, or even inform the parents.

During a coaching class on September 17, the 6-yr-old tripped when she was walking near the pool. She fell in such a way, that one leg was inside the pool and the other, outside, causing severe injuries to her private parts.

As per the police report (a copy of which is with dna), the girl reported the incident to the homeroom teacher and later, her mother. The mother, Geeta Aranha, alleges that neither the pool instructor, nor the homeroom teacher, offered any medical assistance to the child, or even inform the parents about the incident.

Aranha said: "The school authorities did not inform us (parents) about the incident, despite charging huge fees. Three days after the accident, my daughter started suffering blackouts and giddiness."

Speaking about the school's conduct, Jayant Jain, president of the Forum for Fairness in Education (FFE) said: "We condemn the behavior of the school management. They have made all these activities mandatory for their students at such a young age. There are no standards fixed by the government, like what size the swimming pool should be, its depth, type of water, minimum number of life guards required, safety measures, first aid, water chlorination, bath facility, etc."

The school's version:
Narrating the sequence of events, a spokesperson of the school, wishing anonymity, said: "Despite instructions to use the railing and walk around the pool, the child walked independently, missed her step and slipped.

However, she instantly got up and continued the rest of the day in school without expressing any discomfort."

The spokesperson also claimed that as per school protocol, the instructor as well as the homeroom teacher, throughout the day asked the girl whether she was alright. He also stated that the school would cooperate with police inquiry, saying, "We have the CCTV footage to validate our statement and are prepared to share this with the police, if required."

A case has been registered against the school under IPC sections 336 (Act of endangering life or personal safety of others) and 337 (Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others).

Investigation officer and sub-inspector Abhijit Adake, MHB Borivli (W) police station, said, "Yes, the case is registered against the school management by the parent. We will visit the school tomorrow to know who the management members are, so that the arrest can be done."