In a major development in the tragic death of seven-year-old Ananya, the police in Aligarh have arrested the manager of Mount Dev International School along with the bus driver. The child lost her life after allegedly falling through the broken floor of a dilapidated school bus and being crushed under its tyre.
The incident occurred on Saturday when Ananya, a UKG student, was returning home after school. According to the police, the floor of the bus suddenly gave way due to its poor condition. The child fell onto the road and was run over by the rear wheel, resulting in her death on the spot.
Initially, the bus driver, identified as Chandraprakash, was taken into custody. Following further investigation, police arrested school manager Arvind Yadav from Mathura. On Monday, both accused were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. They have been booked under charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 304) and gross negligence.
Father’s Repeated Warnings Allegedly Ignored
In the FIR, Ananya’s father, Ravi Kumar, stated that he had repeatedly raised concerns about the poor condition of the bus with the school management. He claimed to have requested repairs to the damaged floor and the appointment of a helper on the bus to ensure children’s safety. However, according to the complaint, no corrective action was taken.
Permit Expired, Officials Suspended
Investigations have revealed serious regulatory lapses. The bus, bearing registration number UP 81 BT 8873, was allegedly operating without a valid permit, which had expired on September 19, 2024. The Regional Transport Office reportedly issued notices to the school in February, June and September 2025, but no compliance followed. The vehicle had earlier been fined ₹27,000 for violations.
In view of the negligence, the state government has suspended RTO officer Vandana Singh and then-Regional Inspector Champalal for dereliction of duty.
School Recognition Under Scanner
The District Basic Education Officer, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh, has served a show-cause notice to the school manager and principal. Authorities have warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation within a week could lead to cancellation of the school’s recognition.
Additionally, a case has been registered against the school’s caretaker, Reena Yadav. The incident has sparked widespread anger among residents and raised serious concerns over the enforcement of school transport safety norms in the district.
