Allegations of Bullying and Abuse Surface in Death of Arunachal Class 7 Student at Sainik School
In a tragic development at Sainik School, East Siang, the death of a Class 7 student has sparked serious allegations by his sister, Miss Arunachal 2024, Tadu Lunia. She claims her 12-year-old brother, Haro, was the victim of severe bullying and physical abuse by older students the night before he died.
Lunia, in a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, revealed that the family was initially told by school authorities that Haro's death was a suicide. However, conversations with his peers and dormitory mates brought to light disturbing allegations of ragging, mental harassment, and physical torture said to have occurred on October 31 within the hostel.
She detailed that on the night of the incident, eight students from Class 10 and three from Class 8 allegedly entered the Class 7 dormitory when no warden was present. They reportedly ordered the younger students to cover themselves with blankets, sparing only Haro, who was then taken to the Class 10 dormitory.
Lunia, overcome with emotion, stated, "Eyewitnesses said my brother was not allowed to sleep and was mentally and physically tortured for hours. Nobody knows what happened behind that closed door."
Appealing to the residents of Arunachal Pradesh, she urged them to support her family's quest for justice, expressing, "I lost my brother today — it could be anyone’s tomorrow if we don’t take the right steps now."
The Arunachal Pradesh Police have filed a case under charges of abetment to suicide. Eight students, all minors, have been detained and brought before the Juvenile Justice Board in Pasighat. They are currently in the custody of the school’s vice principal for a week while investigations proceed.
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is active, with efforts focused on gathering evidence to unravel the series of events that led to the student's death.
This incident has led to widespread public indignation across the state, with increasing demands for stringent anti-ragging policies, accountability from school officials, and improved supervision in boarding schools.
