Itanagar: The sister of a 12-year-old student found dead at a residential school in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, has alleged that her brother faced physical and mental harassment from senior students before his death.

The Class 7 student from Mudang Tage village in Lower Subansiri district was discovered dead on the overhead water tank of an under-construction building on the school campus on November 1. His absence during the morning physical training session led construction workers to find his body, prompting the school authorities to inform the police.

The Ruksin Police Station initially treated the case as a suspected suicide or unnatural death. An FIR was subsequently registered under sections 108 (abetment of suicide), 106(1) (causing death by negligence), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Eight students have been taken into custody in connection with the incident. They were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Pasighat, and remanded to the custody of the school’s vice principal, with guardians required to provide a prescribed undertaking under Rule 11(6) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules.

In an emotional video message, the victim’s sister said, “My brother is gone now. My family has been grieving day and night, but we will not stop here. His story needs to be known, to be echoed in every corner till justice is served.” She called for accountability from the school authorities and strict action against those responsible for ragging.

Preliminary investigations indicate instances of ragging in the days leading up to the incident. A note allegedly written by the deceased, claiming he was “tortured by seniors,” is currently under forensic examination. The post-mortem was conducted at Bakin Pertin General Hospital, Pasighat, on November 2. East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba said the investigation is being carried out in a “fair, professional, and impartial manner.”

Student organisations, including the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) and the All East Siang District Students’ Union (AESDSU), have demanded a time-bound, transparent probe and warned of public protests if justice is delayed.

Authorities have also urged anyone needing support to contact mental health specialists. Helplines include Aasra: 022-27546669; Sneha India Foundation: +91-4424640050; Sanjivini: 011-24311918; Roshni Foundation (Secunderabad): 040-66202001 / 040-66202000; ONE LIFE: 78930 78930; SEVA: 09441778290.