Ryan death: Permission denied for candle march at India Gate

New Delhi: The authorities on Sunday refused to grant permission for a candlelight march, scheduled to be carried out at the India Gate here, to demand justice for seven-year-old Pradhuman Thakur, who was found dead with his throat slit inside Ryan International school, Bhondsi on September 8.

In view of the order passed by the National Green Tribunal court and for security and order reasons, permission for a march at India Gate can't be accorded, Deputy Commissioner of Police B K Singh said in a letter to the organiser of the newly-formed Pradhuman Foundation.

"It is very unfortunate and condemning that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Delhi Police has refused to accord permission to canvass a cause for children and an attempt has been made to suppress the sentiments prevalent across the nation pertaining to the safety and security of the children," said Pradhuman's father Barun Chandra Thakur.

Thakur also accused the government of "playing into the hands of school mafia". Earlier, Thakur had set up a foundation under his son's name. The foundation will address the grievances of the parents who are being harassed by the private schools. It is also expected to make the parents aware of the security guidelines that needs to be set up in the private schools so that their children are safe.