Ballari (Karnataka), March 8 A ninth-grade student is alleged to have caused a violent incident at a private residential school here, killing one and injuring others with a sharp object and an iron rod, police said on Sunday.
The incident took place at the school hostel on Saturday night, they said.
The deceased boy was from Andhra Pradesh. His body was taken to the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari, for post-mortem.
According to officials, an investigation is underway to determine the motive and weapon used in the incident. A search is also on to apprehend the accused student, who apparently fled the scene immediately.
"Nine students were under the supervision of a social science teacher (also the hostel warden) on Saturday night. The student (accused), in a fit of rage, attacked everyone randomly… unfortunately, one student died and seven others are receiving treatment," said Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Ballari Range, P S Harsha.
Speaking to reporters here, he said that the teacher's statement has been recorded and a preliminary inquiry has been conducted. Also, the Crime Scene Officer (CSO) and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams have visited the scene.
"This case will be considered under the law as one involving a juvenile, who is in conflict with the law. Therefore, the investigation should be conducted sensitively under the Juvenile Justice Act, keeping in mind the safeguards available for the accused. More information cannot be shared."
He further said, "The statements of the deceased boy's parents will also be recorded. A detailed investigation will be conducted, and a report will be submitted to the concerned courts."
According to sources, the warden is also said to have sustained injuries while attempting to intervene.
The students were reportedly asleep in the hostel after dinner, when the accused boy attacked his peers with an iron rod and a sharp object.
Sources suspect that some minor dispute might have triggered the incident.
The student, who was seriously injured in the attack, died on the way to the hospital.
The Brucepet Police Station police have registered a case, and an investigation is on.