Maksam Tayeng

PASIGHAT, NOV 5:

Police have apprehended eight senior students of Sainik School, Niglok, in connection with the alleged ragging-related death of a Class VII student. The arrests follow an FIR filed by the father of the deceased boy after the 12-year-old was found dead on November 1, 2025.

The case, initially registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), has been upgraded to Ruksin PS Case No. 20/25 under Sections 108 and 106(1)(3)(5) of the BNS, following an additional FIR lodged by the victim’s parent on November 3.

The eight apprehended students, classified as Children in Conflict with Law (CCLs), were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Pasighat, on November 4.

The Principal Magistrate of the JJB has remanded them to the custody of the Vice Principal of Sainik School, Niglok, for one week.

The court also directed their guardians to execute an undertaking or bond in Form 8 under Rule 11(6) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules.

Police officials said the investigation is ongoing to gather further evidence and ensure the case reaches its logical conclusion.

“Further investigation is underway,” the police stated.

Meanwhile, the Apatani Students’ Union (ASU) visited Sainik School, Niglok, to inquire into the incident.

The ASU team was joined by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), All Lower Subansiri District Students’ Union (ALSDSU), and the All East Siang District Students’ Union (ESDSU).

During the visit, the student bodies expressed deep concern over the tragic death and issued a two-week ultimatum to the district administration and police to conduct a fair and transparent investigation. They warned that failure to do so within the stipulated time would compel them to launch a democratic movement.

The unions jointly demanded a speedy, transparent, and accountable probe, urging strict punishment for those found guilty. They also appealed to the authorities to ensure justice for the bereaved family and to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.