A student of Loyola Secondary School in Williamnagar was allegedly killed after he was accidentally hit by a log carried by a group of students.
Cherian M Sangma of Rongjeng, a Class IX student passed away this morning after the incident, though he was taken to the Williamnagar Civil Hospital immediately by the school authorities after the incident.
East Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, Bruno A Sangma said, “The boy was declared brought dead to the hospital and an investigation into the case is currently on. All formalities are being worked on for now.”
According to information received from school authorities, four students, along with the principal, Fr MR Fernandez were removing a log from the vicinity of the school. While carrying the log for some metres, three boys on one side accidentally threw the log, which hit Cherian on the head.
Meanwhile NGOs of Rongjeng, including the GSU, FKJGP, ASWA, GSMC and AAYF have alleged that the death was the result of a punishment that was meted out to the boys to carry logs by the principal.
The NGOs stated that the incident only took place due to the punishment by the school authorities and was completely avoidable.
“We strongly oppose this barbaric act and the principal should be booked as per law. The RTE Act, 2009 clearly states that corporal punishment is not allowed. We also condemn the school authorities for opening the school without prior notification from the government,” said the NGOs while expressing their condolences to the family of the victim.
