Nawada/Patna: A 14-year-old school student was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Nawada district, prompting protests by villagers and renewed concerns over children’s safety in the area.
The body of the teenager, identified as the son of Santosh Kumar Singh and a student at Gonawan Higher Secondary School, was found floating in a pond near Goni hill on Friday evening. Residents of Gonawan alleged that the boy had been brutally murdered and demanded immediate arrest of those responsible.
Student went missing after leaving school with classmates
According to local reports, the student left school between 8am and 9am after reportedly leaving his school bag behind and walking out with four classmates. When he did not return, family members and the villagers launched a search throughout the day.
Body found floating in pond near Goni hill
At around 5pm, one of the boys who had accompanied him, informed locals that the teen’s body was floating in the pond.
Villagers alleged that the victim had been attacked before being dumped in the water. Some claimed his eyes had been gouged out, although police have not yet confirmed the allegations.
“ The student was killed brutally. His eyes were damaged and later the body was thrown into the pond,” a local resident said.
Police release minor after questioning
Following the recovery, angry villagers gathered at the scene and handed over one suspect to police. However, officers later released him after questioning.
Police said two other boys who had reportedly left school with the victim were currently missing, and efforts were under way to trace them.
Sanjeet Singh, Mufassil station house officer, said the boy who reported the discovery of the body had initially been detained because he was a friend of the deceased.
“He was taken into custody and later released. No written complaint had been submitted and, as he is a minor, he could not be kept at the police station overnight,” Singh said.
FSL team collects evidence from scene
A forensic science laboratory team visited the site and collected evidence as investigators work to establish the exact cause of death. Police said all possible angles were being examined.
The incident has triggered fear and anger across the Gonawan area, with residents accusing authorities of failing to ensure the safety of children. Family members of the victim have continued to demand swift justice and the arrest of those responsible
