Noida, Uttar Pradesh — In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the National Capital Region (NCR), a 15-month-old baby girl was allegedly assaulted by a female worker at a private daycare centre in Noida. The horrific case came to light after CCTV footage emerged, showing the worker allegedly slapping, shaking, and mishandling the toddler while other staff members appeared indifferent to the abuse.
Police have arrested the accused, identified as Priya Sharma, 28, a caretaker at the Bright Future Play School and Daycare located in Sector 77. The arrest came after the victim’s parents lodged a formal complaint with the Sector 113 Police Station on Thursday evening.
The Shocking Footage
According to police sources, the parents had noticed unusual marks on their daughter’s face and arms over the past few days. Initially, they thought it might be due to accidental falls during play. However, their suspicion grew when the baby began showing signs of fear and distress whenever they mentioned the daycare.
Determined to find out the truth, the parents requested CCTV footage from the facility. The footage, now part of the police investigation, allegedly shows the caretaker aggressively yanking the child’s arm, slapping her multiple times, and even pushing her onto the floor.
“This is inhuman. My daughter is not even 2 years old. She cannot speak, she cannot defend herself. What sort of people are given the responsibility to care for children?” the distraught father told reporters
Immediate Police Action
The arrest was confirmed by DCP Harish Chander, a senior Noida police officer, who said:
“We have registered an FIR under IPC sections related to assault and cruelty against minors, as well as relevant provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. The accused has been sent to judicial custody. We are also investigating the role of the daycare management for negligence and possible attempts to conceal the incident.”
The FIR lists charges under Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
Daycare License Under Scrutiny
The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Noida has sealed the daycare facility in the wake of the arrest till more inquiry is conducted. Officials have stated that they will verify the daycare’s operational license, staff verification records, and compliance with child safety guidelines.
CWC Chairperson Anjali Sharma said:
“We are treating this as a serious case of child abuse. Every daycare centre must follow strict norms, including proper training of staff, background checks, and real-time monitoring through CCTV. We will recommend strict action, including cancellation of the license, if violations are found.”
Public Outrage and Social Media Uproar
The incident has triggered massive outrage on social media platforms, with hashtags like #NoidaDaycareHorror and #JusticeForBabyGirl trending on X (formerly Twitter). Many parents have expressed fear and anger, questioning the safety of daycare facilities in urban areas.
Well-known child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi also condemned the incident, saying:
“Our society’s most vulnerable members are children. This case is not just about one child—it is about a system that allows such abuse to happen. Authorities must ensure strict enforcement of child protection laws.”
Parents Demand Stronger Laws
The victim’s parents have urged lawmakers to bring stronger legislation and harsher punishments for crimes against minors, especially in institutional care settings. They are also considering filing a civil case for damages against the daycare.
“We trusted them with our child’s life. That trust has been shattered forever,” the mother said, holding back tears.
Daycare Management’s Response
The management of Bright Future Play School and Daycare issued a brief statement expressing “regret” over the incident and claiming that the accused caretaker was “immediately suspended” after the matter came to their attention. They also promised to cooperate with the investigation.
However, parents and activists have dismissed this as damage control, pointing out that the abuse appeared to have occurred on multiple days, raising questions about whether the management ignored earlier warning signs.
Child Safety Guidelines in India
In accordance with India’s National Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Policy, childcare facilities must:
Employ staff who have undergone police verification.
Install and maintain CCTV surveillance.
Train staff in child care and emergency response.
Maintain open access for parents to check on their children at any time.
Despite these rules, enforcement remains weak, and violations often go unnoticed until a tragedy occurs. This case has once again highlighted the urgent need for regular inspections and stricter penalties for non-compliance.
Expert Opinions on Childcare Risks
Child psychologists warn that physical abuse at such a young age can have long-lasting psychological effects, including fear, anxiety, and trust issues.
Dr. Meera Kapoor, a Delhi-based child psychologist, said:
“Children under 2 years cannot verbalise abuse, which is why institutions must be extra vigilant. Even a single incident can leave deep emotional scars. Parents should watch for behavioural changes—loss of appetite, sudden aggression, or fearfulness—as warning signs.”
Political Reactions
There has been a significant response from political figures of all stripes. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted:
“The safety of our children must be non-negotiable. Stronger regulations and accountability are the need of the hour.”
Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, has instructed officials to guarantee a comprehensive inquiry and provide a report within seventy-two hours.
The Road Ahead
The case is now under fast-track investigation, and a chargesheet is expected to be filed within 15 days. The police have also appealed to other parents whose children attended the daycare to come forward if they have noticed any suspicious injuries or behavioural changes.
For the grieving parents, however, no legal action can undo the trauma.
Holding his daughter close, the father muttered, “This will haunt us for the rest of our lives.”
External Link: Daycare Worker Arrested for Assaulting a 15-Month-Old Baby Girl in Noida Daycare Horror
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