At least 15 eighth-grade students from a government school in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, were assaulted in their hostel by senior students on Tuesday, according to PTI.
Rajeev Rajan, Principal of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Bordumsa, told PTI that five senior students were suspended for their alleged involvement in the incident.
The class 8 students were beaten with sticks by class 11 seniors, resulting in the injured students needing first aid at a nearby hospital.
A disciplinary committee found the seniors guilty of inflicting physical and psychological harm, and a police complaint was also lodged.
According to PTI, the principal is in communication with the parents of the assaulted students regarding further action.
Ranjan told PTI, “We have already suspended the students involved in the incident. It is an isolated case. We will ascertain the reason behind it.”
He also mentioned that medical tests showed the injuries were not serious and that a parent-teacher meeting would be held with the guardians of the class 11 students to discuss their involvement.
Ranjan assured that such incidents would not recur and strict measures were being taken to protect the 530 students living in the school hostel from grades 6-12.
PTI also spoke with Changlang Superintendent of Police, Kirli Padu, who said that authorities were identifying all culprits and that action would be taken against those responsible for the assault. He added that the police would engage with the victims.
