Delhi govt recommends CBI probe into schoolboy's death

The magisterial probe said that 'deliberate' inaction by the school authorities amounted to 'gross criminal negligence', which led to the death of the child

The AAP government on Monday recommended a CBI investigation into the death of a six-year-old boy at Ryan International School following demand by the child's parents and findings of a magisterial probe, which pointed to "suspicious conduct" of school authorities.

The parents of Devansh Kakora, whose body was found floating in a water tank at the school, have been demanding a probe by the central agency, alleging that Delhi Police was overlooking various important aspects of the case.

"Delhi government on Monday referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the case of mysterious death of six year-old student, Devansh, at the Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj on 30 January," said a statement by Delhi Government.

It said the decision for a CBI probe was taken based of findings of the magisterial inquiry and demand by the parents of the deceased.

"The magisterial inquiry pointed out the suspicious conduct of school authorities and raised further queries. Therefore, it was decided by the government that in the interest of justice, it will be appropriate to refer the case for investigation to the CBI," said the statement.

The boy's father Ramhit Meena had on Saturday alleged that the child was sexually assaulted before being done to death and that there were injury marks on his private parts. He had even alleged that the principal of the school "threatened" the family to keep quiet over the issue.

"CBI probe was ordered in Ryan School death case. Hope for fair and speedy justice for Devansh," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted.

The magisterial probe had said "deliberate" inaction by the school authorities amounted to "gross criminal negligence" which led to the death of the child.

In a letter to HRD minister Smriti Irani on Sunday, Meena had sought her intervention in ensuring a CBI probe into the case. A copy of the letter was also sent to Prime Minister's Office.