Patna: A Class 11 student in Patna was allegedly abducted and assaulted by a group of students from his school on Thursday, in what police believe was the fallout of an earlier dispute between two students.
The incident occurred near St. Michael’s High School in the Digha area, where the student had gone to collect his academic certificates. Police have registered a case against a Class 10 student and two others based on the victim’s statement.
Student Allegedly Forced Into SUV
According to police, the 16-year-old student, who had recently passed the Class 10 examinations, visited the school between noon and 1 pm to collect his marksheet and transfer certificate.
Investigators said he was allegedly forced into a Scorpio SUV outside the school gate at around 1.30 pm by a group of students. He was then taken to a ghat along the banks of the Ganga, where he was allegedly confined for about an hour and physically assaulted.
Police said the student was later dropped near the school at around 3 pm.
Police Seize Vehicle
Witnesses who saw the student being forced into the vehicle alerted the police, suspecting a possible kidnapping.
Senior police officers launched a search operation after receiving the information. During the operation, the accused allegedly abandoned the Scorpio on Atal Path after spotting a police vehicle and fled the scene.
The SUV has since been seized as part of the investigation.
Earlier Dispute Under Investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest the incident was linked to an earlier altercation between the victim and a junior student studying in Class 10 at the same school.
Police said the two students had reportedly been involved in a physical fight about a month ago, after which the school administration suspended both students for one month.
Investigators allege that Thursday’s incident was carried out in retaliation for that dispute.
According to the victim’s statement, several students allegedly participated in the assault and forced him to apologise before releasing him.
Police Probe Continues
Assistant Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) Krishna Murari Prasad said preliminary findings indicate that the case appears to have arisen from rivalry between two student groups rather than an abduction for ransom.
Police said they are examining CCTV footage and investigating all aspects of the incident.
The school management is also expected to be questioned as part of the inquiry.
Authorities said further action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the investigation.
