Patna witnessed violent protests on Thursday following the tragic death of a Class 5 student at Amalatola Kanya Middle School. The incident took place in the Chitkohra area, where angry locals blocked the road and clashed with the police. The situation escalated quickly, leaving a sub-inspector from Gardanibagh injured during the unrest.
Road Blockade and Rising Tensions in Patna
After the girl’s death on Wednesday, the anger of residents spilled over onto the streets the next day. Protesters in Chitkohra blocked roads and raised slogans demanding justice. Police officers present at the spot tried to control the situation, but the crowd turned violent and attacked the police. In the chaos, the Gardanibagh sub-inspector sustained injuries. Later, the SDPO Secretariat’s vehicle was seen carrying some people away from the school premises.
Allegations by the Family
The incident began after the 12-year-old student was found burned in the school toilet. Her death sparked outrage among her relatives and the local community. While the police have yet to confirm whether the girl committed suicide or was murdered, her family has alleged that she was deliberately set on fire. They claim that kerosene was poured on her before the incident. Police officials confirmed recovering a bottle with a flammable substance, suspected to be kerosene, from the site. Samples were collected by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for further analysis. Based on the father’s statement, a case has been registered against unidentified individuals.
Anger Over School Management’s Role
Locals were furious not only at the mysterious circumstances of the girl’s death but also at the alleged negligence of the school administration. They questioned why the school did not immediately shift the student to a hospital after she was found burning. Hundreds of people gathered, expressing their anger over the administration’s inaction. Many claimed the girl had not set herself on fire but was murdered. Some also alleged that she was being harassed by a few youths from the neighborhood.
Chaos in the School Premises
Reports suggest that soon after the girl was found, people stormed the school building and damaged property. The situation turned tense as police arrived at the spot. There were heated arguments and physical altercations between the protesters and police. The tragic incident not only raised concerns about student safety in schools but also exposed administrative lapses in handling emergencies.
Girl Struggled for Nearly an Hour
Accounts from other students revealed that a Class 6 student first noticed the fire and raised an alarm. Panic spread quickly across the school, and students rushed out in fear. However, the burning girl was left unattended inside the toilet for almost 50 minutes. Many hesitated to approach her because of the intensity of the fire. When Gardanibagh police arrived, locals provided sheets and cloth to cover her body. She was finally shifted to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) in an auto-rickshaw. Doctors admitted her to the emergency ward, but she succumbed to her injuries during treatment. By evening, her body was handed over to the family after the post-mortem.
Public Reaction and Demand for Justice
The shocking death has triggered a wave of anger and grief across Patna. Residents of the area demand a thorough investigation to determine whether it was a case of suicide or a planned murder. The family insists that their daughter was killed and poured with kerosene, while the administration maintains that both possibilities are being investigated. Protests continue in several parts of the city, with residents demanding strict punishment for those responsible.
Police Investigation Underway
Authorities have registered an FIR based on the father’s complaint and are investigating the case from both angles. Forensic experts are analyzing samples collected from the toilet to confirm the nature of the flammable substance. Senior police officers have assured the family that no angle will be ignored and that justice will be delivered. Meanwhile, extra forces have been deployed in Chitkohra and surrounding areas to maintain law and order.
Larger Concerns About Student Safety
This incident has once again raised serious questions about the safety of students in schools across the state. Parents and activists have demanded that strict safety protocols be implemented in educational institutions. Many argue that schools must be prepared to handle such emergencies and provide immediate medical help. The delay in taking the girl to the hospital has intensified the anger, as many believe she could have been saved with timely action.
The death of the 12-year-old girl student in Patna has shaken the city. Her tragic end, the delay in medical response, and the violent aftermath have highlighted deep concerns about safety and negligence in schools. While the investigation is still ongoing, the incident has sparked widespread outrage. With the family alleging murder and locals demanding accountability, authorities now face pressure to uncover the truth and ensure justice. The case serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for safety measures in schools to prevent such tragedies in the future.
