Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh – In a tragic and deeply disturbing development, three staff members of the Sainik School, Niglok, in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, have been arrested in connection with the death of a 12-year-old cadet on campus. The incident, which has sparked statewide outrage, has raised serious questions about the safety, oversight, and welfare of students in residential educational institutions in the state.

The deceased, a class 7 student, reportedly passed away on November 1. Initial reports suggested the death was a result of suicide, but subsequent investigations have revealed the possibility of harassment, ragging, and negligence, prompting authorities to reclassify the case under abetment-related provisions of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Arrests and Investigation

The three arrested staff members are Devendra Singh, House Master of the Subansiri House junior cadet wing; Kangge Darin, House Master of the Subansiri House senior cadet wing; and Amar Singh Thakur, Hostel Superintendent of the school. According to East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, the arrests followed a detailed examination of witness statements, forensic evidence, and the sequence of events leading to the cadet’s death.

“The arrests were made after carefully piecing together testimonies from students and staff, and evaluating forensic findings that indicate potential culpability of staff in the cadet’s death,” SP Lamba said.

Prior to these arrests, eight students of the institution, all juveniles, were apprehended and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board for questioning in connection with the incident. The initial FIR had been registered as an unnatural death at Ruksin Police Station but was later amended under provisions dealing with abetment after preliminary findings suggested both staff and students may have contributed to the circumstances leading to the cadet’s demise.

Allegations of Ragging and Mental Harassment

According to the cadet’s family, the boy had sent a message to his sister shortly before his death, alleging that he was being “tortured by seniors.” This has prompted serious concerns about ragging, bullying, and mental harassment within the hostel. Family members assert that the cadet had endured persistent mistreatment, which they claim contributed directly to his decision to end his life.

The revelations have ignited a broader debate on the enforcement of anti-ragging measures and the adequacy of supervision in residential schools, particularly in institutions that house young adolescents in high-pressure academic and physical training environments.

Government Response and Measures

Following the arrests, Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona visited Sainik School, Niglok, to assess the situation firsthand and meet with school authorities. In a statement, the minister emphasized the importance of cooperation with law enforcement and directed the institution to provide immediate counseling support for students affected by the trauma.

“Ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for our children is non-negotiable. Every student deserves to learn, grow, and thrive without fear,” Minister Sona said. He further instructed the school administration to adopt strict preventive measures to eliminate all forms of bullying, whether physical or mental, and to review oversight mechanisms to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.

Broader Implications

The death of the young cadet at Sainik School, Niglok, has raised significant concerns among parents, educators, and child rights activists about the safety of children in residential institutions. While Sainik Schools are designed to instill discipline, leadership, and physical resilience, incidents like this underscore the critical need for robust monitoring, strict anti-ragging enforcement, and effective student support mechanisms.

Child rights advocates argue that the incident highlights a systemic issue: the need for stronger psychological support for students, proper training for staff to handle adolescent stress and conflict, and clear accountability mechanisms when allegations of harassment arise.

Legal experts note that under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, provisions related to abetment allow authorities to hold not only direct perpetrators accountable but also those whose negligence or complicity contributes to the crime. The ongoing investigation will likely focus on both the actions of the staff members and the broader institutional culture that may have allowed harassment and bullying to go unchecked.

Community Reaction

The case has elicited widespread public anger across Arunachal Pradesh. Local communities and parents of students in the state have expressed concern over the safety of children in boarding schools. Social media discussions and local press coverage have amplified calls for reforms in residential educational institutions, including stricter surveillance, anonymous reporting channels for harassment, and compulsory mental health support services for students.

Next Steps in the Investigation

Police authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough and impartial. The forensic evidence collected, combined with testimonies from students and staff, will play a crucial role in establishing the sequence of events and assigning accountability. The investigation will also examine whether any lapses in school supervision, hostel management, or staff training contributed to the cadet’s death.

The arrested staff members are currently in police custody, and further interrogations are expected to shed light on their role in the incident. Authorities have also signaled that additional arrests or charges may be possible as evidence emerges.

Conclusion

The tragic death of a 12-year-old cadet at Sainik School, Niglok, is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in residential educational institutions. The arrests of the three staff members mark an important step toward accountability, but the incident also underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent ragging, harassment, and mental trauma among students.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains not only on bringing those responsible to justice but also on creating safer, more supportive learning environments that prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every student. In the words of Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona, ensuring that children can “learn, grow, and thrive without fear” must be a fundamental priority for schools and policymakers alike.

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