Three staff members from Sainik School, Nigolok, Arunachal Pradesh, face arrest following the death of a 12-year-old cadet. Police apprehended the individuals this past Saturday, investigating the case under abetment-related provisions of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Class 7 student reportedly died by suicide on the school campus on November 1 , leading to a swift and expanding investigation.
Staff Members Charged
East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba confirmed the arrests. The three individuals are Devendra Singh, 42, House Master of Subansiri House junior cadet wing; Kangge Darin, 31, House Master of Subansiri House senior cadet wing; and Amar Singh Thakur, 51, Hostel Superintendent. Authorities registered a case at Ruksin Police Station. The arrests followed a thorough examination of witness statements, forensic evidence, and the complete sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
Allegations of Torture and Harassment
The case sparked widespread public outrage across the state. Reports detailed a message the deceased cadet sent to his sister shortly before his death. In this message, the student alleged he was being “tortured by seniors.” His family has since come forward, claiming their son was subjected to severe ragging and mental harassment within the school hostel environment. These serious allegations have become a central focus of the ongoing police inquiry.
Prior to these arrests, police had already apprehended eight students from the same institution. All eight individuals are juveniles. After their apprehension, authorities produced them before the Juvenile Justice Board for further legal proceedings, highlighting the complex nature of the incident involving both peers and staff.
Investigation Under New Law
Initially, police registered the incident as an unnatural death. However, preliminary findings in the investigation prompted a significant reclassification of the case. It now falls under abetment-related provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The BNS is a new criminal code. This change in classification signifies that investigators found evidence pointing towards possible culpability of both students and staff members in contributing to the student’s death. This shift allows for a broader scope of inquiry into the circumstances.
Ministerial Directives
Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona visited Sainik School on Saturday evening to assess the situation. During his visit, he held direct discussions with school authorities. Minister Sona issued clear directives: the school must extend full cooperation to the ongoing police investigation. He also instructed the administration to provide immediate and comprehensive counselling support to all students coping with the trauma of this incident.
Furthermore, the Minister mandated the adoption of strict, preventive measures within the campus. These measures aim to eradicate all forms of bullying, both physical and mental. “Ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for our children is non-negotiable,” Minister Sona stated unequivocally. “Every student deserves to learn, grow, and thrive without fear.” This statement underscores the state’s commitment to student welfare.
Path Forward
The investigation into the student’s death continues actively. Authorities are committed to gathering all evidence and testimonies. The aim is to establish the precise circumstances leading to the tragedy and ensure accountability for all responsible parties. Sainik School administration is expected to fully comply with police directives and implement the Education Minister’s recommendations. These steps are crucial for student safety and well-being at the institution moving forward.