Patna: Mob burns school after 3-year-old's body found on premises
An angry mob set parts of a private school on fire after the body of a three-year-old student was found concealed within a drainage gutter at the school in Patna, Bihar, on Friday. The child had been reported missing after not returning home from school. The family found the body during an anxious search after school authorities allegedly evaded questions about the child's whereabouts.
Investigation underway: CCTV footage reveals disturbing details
Patna Superintendent of Police, Chandra Prakash, confirmed that an investigation is in progress. "In the CCTV footage, we saw that the child was entering the school but at no point can he be seen leaving the school premises," Prakash revealed to media. He further stated that they are treating it as a murder case due to signs of criminal intent. "We have detained three persons, inquiry is on," added Prakash.
Cause of death and involvement of school authorities
The exact cause of the toddler's death remains unknown, with post-mortem results still pending from Patna Medical College and Hospital. However, SSP Rajeev Mishra shared initial findings suggesting that "the boy fell from a slider, sustained head injuries and became unconscious." "School director-cum-principal's son, took the boy and dumped him in the drain near a classroom," Mishra added, raising questions about the involvement of school authorities.
Public outrage: Protests erupt demanding swift justice
Following the discovery of the body, agitated parents, family members, and residents blocked the Digha-Patna and Digha-Ashiana roads, obstructing vehicle traffic movement and burning tires. The protesters also set parts of the school's walls on fire and ransacked the premises. Amidst this public outcry, the school principal and her son have been taken into custody for further interrogation.
