Tragic Death at Arunachal Sainik School: Sister Alleges Bullying and Torture of Class 7 Student

Lunia (Right) said the school had initially informed the family that Haro (Left) died by suicide.

Guwahati:

Days after a Class 7 student was found dead at the Sainik School in Arunachal Pradesh's East Siang district, his sister has alleged that he was tortured and bullied by seniors the night before his death.

The victim's sister, Tadu Lunia, who is Miss Arunachal 2024, posted a video on Instagram revealing details about what happened to her 12-year-old brother, Haro.

Lunia explained that school authorities initially told the family that Haro had committed suicide. However, after conversations with his classmates and dormitory mates, the family discovered allegations of ragging and physical abuse.

According to Lunia, her brother's dormitory mates informed the family that on October 31, eight students from Class 10 and three students from Class 8 entered the Class 7 dormitory at night when no warden was present.

Lunia stated that the seniors allegedly forced all students to cover themselves with blankets, with the exception of Haro, who was then taken to the Class 10 dormitory.

"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," Lunia said as she broke down.

She appealed to the state's public to support the family in their quest for justice, stating, "I lost my brother today - it could be anyone's tomorrow if we don't take the right steps now."

Previously, police had registered a case on charges of abetment to suicide.

Eight minor students were apprehended and brought before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in Pasighat on Wednesday. They have been placed in the custody of the school's vice principal for one week.

Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and additional evidence is being collected.