The brutal killing of a Class 10 student by a Class 8 peer at Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) School in Khokhra has triggered a mass withdrawal of students, with at least 160 parents formally applying for transfer, citing a collapse of trust in the school’s safety measures.
Parents Line Up for Leaving Certificates
On Thursday, over 250 parents visited the school to seek details on Leaving Certificate (LC) procedures. Of them, 160 submitted formal withdrawal requests, while others are waiting for processing. To fast-track the process, four District Education Officer (DEO) staff have been deputed to the school. Officials assured that applications will remain open for those still deciding.
Fatal Incident and Alleged Negligence
The unrest stems from the fatal stabbing of a Class 10 boy by a Class 8 student near the school gate after a scuffle. CCTV footage suggested lapses in response, with claims that the victim did not receive timely medical aid. He later succumbed to his injuries, sparking public outrage.
School Management Under Fire
The school administration has been accused of gross negligence. The principal and three teachers have been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Juvenile Justice Act. The Crime Branch is probing whether systemic failures worsened the tragedy.
DEO Pushes Safety Reforms
In response, DEO Rohit Chaudhary has held meetings with school leaders and child-safety experts. Proposed measures include appointing class guardians, holding mandatory parental orientations, and increasing supervision during dispersal. Authorities also plan to review safety protocols in all private schools.
Future of Students in Limbo
While arrangements are being made with nearby CBSE schools to accommodate transfers, SDA School has nearly 9,000 students, leaving many families uncertain. Parents insist that only visible reforms and accountability will restore trust in the institution.