The murder of a Class 10 student outside Seventh Day Adventist School has triggered spiralling protests in Ahmedabad, exposing simmering anger over alleged negligence by the institution and inaction by authorities.
The victim, Nayan Santani, was fatally stabbed by a Class 8 student on Tuesday following what police described as a minor scuffle. CCTV footage showed the assault outside the school building after hours. A security guard spotted the accused as he attempted to flee.
On Thursday, a mob stormed the school premises, ransacking property and thrashing staff. Police have since booked over 500 people for rioting, assault and vandalism. The school administration has lodged its own complaint regarding the destruction.
The unrest intensified on Friday as the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress, staged protests demanding that the institute be shut down. Several of its members were detained after clashing with police when they attempted to force their way into the premises.
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Parents and students joined demonstrations outside the school, accusing the management of ignoring repeated complaints of thefts and brawls on the campus. “What are you teaching the students after taking lakhs of rupees? The school never takes any responsibility. Had the school management taken the right steps, the murder would not have happened,” one parent alleged.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad also mobilised supporters, calling a bandh that shuttered nearly 200 schools in Maninagar, Khokhara and Isanpur.
Family members of the slain student accused the school of delaying medical help and alleged that evidence was tampered with when a water tanker was summoned to wash away bloodstains.
Police said a First Information Report has been registered, and the accused student detained for questioning. In addition, private chats circulating online suggested he had admitted to the crime.
The school has not issued a response to the allegations.
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