Watchman Found Dead in Guard Room of Delhi School

A tragic incident occurred at a primary school in Ranhola, outer Delhi, where the charred body of a watchman was discovered inside the guard room on February 24, 2024. The deceased, identified as Naresh Kumar, was 58 years old and employed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). He had been set to retire in 2027.

The alarm was raised by school staff around 07:45, prompting immediate action from local authorities. Kumar, who typically began his shift at 13:00, was found in a completely burnt state. The police reported that the fire appeared to be confined to the guard room, but the precise cause remains undetermined.

According to a statement from Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) Sachin Sharma, the incident was alarming and under investigation. “The staff noticed the incident and quickly informed the authorities, which allowed for a prompt response,” he said.

Shortly after the fire was reported, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received a call at approximately 08:00. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find that the flames had already been extinguished. A DFS official confirmed, “Upon inspecting the premises, we discovered a charred body inside the guard room.”

Authorities have since launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire. A crime scene team is examining the area, and footage from CCTV cameras installed at the school is being scrutinized to piece together the timeline of events leading to this tragic occurrence.

The loss of Naresh Kumar has left a profound impact on the school community, as he was not only an employee but a familiar presence to students and staff alike. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.