Following the shocking murder of a Class 10 student at Seventh Day Adventist School in Khokhra, tensions have escalated in the eastern parts of the city. In response, the district education officer (DEO) has ordered the suspension of physical classes at the school, directing it to shift to online teaching until further notice.
The incident triggered widespread unrest across Maninagar, Khokhra, and Isanpur, with nearly 200 schools declaring a holiday as a precautionary measure. In addition, over 2,000 shops, including those in Sindhi Bazaar, downed shutters after a ‘bandh’ call was announced.
To prevent any untoward situation, heavy police deployment has been ensured within a 500-metre radius of the school.
On Wednesday, the situation turned violent as angry parents and locals vandalised the school premises and assaulted staff members, including the principal. Meanwhile, both the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for a shutdown of schools in Maninagar and adjoining areas.
Taking note of public anger and growing pressure from organisations, the DEO directed the school to stop classroom teaching and conduct online lectures instead. In a letter to the Commissioner of Police, the DEO stressed that physical classes could not resume without adequate police security on campus.
The order also stated that police protection must be provided to teachers and staff who are required to attend the school for conducting online sessions and other administrative work.