Patna: A fifth-grade student is in a critical condition after reportedly setting herself on fire in a school bathroom in Patna, leading to an angry protest and clashes with police.
The 10-year-old girl, identified as Zoya Parveen, suffered severe burns to the upper half of her body on Wednesday morning at Amla Tola Kanya Vidyalaya in the city’s Gardanibagh area. She was taken to PMCH hospital where she remains in a critical state.
The incident sparked a violent reaction from family members, students, and neighbours, who gathered at the school. Witnesses said the crowd vandalized classrooms, smashing chairs and tables, and tore up papers. Police deployed to the scene were reportedly assaulted, with some officers and a school inspector being slapped.
Police have sealed the bathroom where the incident occurred and forensic teams are investigating. A can containing roughly half a litre of kerosene was reportedly found inside the bathroom.
Security questions raised
Family and neighbours of the student have cast doubt on the official account, suggesting Zoya would not have attempted to take her own life. “She is not one of those who would try to commit suicide,” one neighbour stated, suggesting someone else may have been involved. “Someone has burnt the girl. The security of the school is not good.”
Another neighbour echoed concerns about school security, claiming that boys “consume drugs around the school” and that complaints had been made without action. They also said that when they arrived at the school, teachers were unhelpful and focused only on attendance.
The family stated that some people are “behind the incident” and that Zoya may have been “under someone’s pressure” to take this step.
Following the protest, the main gate of the school was closed and a large police presence was deployed to manage the crowd. Some teachers reportedly fled the scene out of fear. Police are attempting to de-escalate the situation and are investigating the claims of the family and community.
