The PUBG effect? Class 3 boy’s violent gaming habit linked to brutal school attack in Panchkula

New Delhi: An eight-year-old boy who brutally assaulted a six-year-old girl inside a government primary school classroom in Haryana’s Panchkula was allegedly hooked on violent mobile games like PUBG, the victim’s uncle stated on Tuesday.

The disturbing incident came to light after CCTV footage surfaced online, showing the Class 3 boy punching, kicking, and throwing heavy, blunt objects at the younger girl inside an empty room in an attempt to crush her head. The severely injured child was rushed to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, where she regained consciousness after roughly 40 hours.

Speaking to reporters, the girl’s uncle, Fazil, alleged that the boy’s aggressive behaviour stemmed from his habit of playing action-heavy video games at home.

“The child (who committed the attack)…it turned out he played certain types of games…aggressive games…he played PUBG, and now his father has also confirmed that he used to play PUBG and other such games, which led to these actions,” Fazil said.

How the incident unfolded

Fazil shared that the confrontation started when the boy began teasing the girl and called her crazy. When she objected to his remarks, the eight-year-old tricked her into stepping inside an empty classroom, where he locked the door and attacked her.

Providing an update on the victim’s health, Fazil said she is stable and out of danger. “She is doing better than before… For the past two or three days, she has been receiving excellent care. The doctors are monitoring her very closely; everything is being handled well,” he added.

Government action and safety audits

Following public outrage over the security lapse, the Haryana education department suspended two Junior Basic Training (JBT) teachers on charges of negligence.

The Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (HSCPCR) has stepped in, directing the district education officer to submit a detailed factual report. Additionally, the state government has set up a five-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter and announced a statewide safety audit across all government schools.

Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda confirmed the administration’s stance, stating that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence.