In a swift response to the tragic death of a class nine student, Bhabesh, at Padumpukhuri High School in Sipajhar, Assam, the state government has transferred the principal-in-charge and 11 other staff members. The decision follows allegations of negligence surrounding the incident in which the student was reportedly assaulted by a classmate on September 23, 2024, resulting in his collapse and subsequent death.
Assam’s Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu, took to social media to announce the disciplinary actions, stating, “In response to the tragic incident…12 staff members, including the principal-in-charge, have been transferred due to negligence.” The principal from Burhinagar Senior Secondary School has been appointed as the new head of Padumpukhuri High School.
Both a police investigation and a separate inquiry by the School Education Department have been launched to determine the full circumstances leading up to the student’s death. Reports indicate that Bhabesh had been threatened by a group of youths a day prior to the fatal altercation, raising serious concerns within the community.
Witnesses describe a scene of chaos as teachers attempted first aid and called for an ambulance, but despite being rushed to Mangaldai Civil Hospital, the student was pronounced dead. The incident has shocked the local community, with growing demands for increased measures to protect student safety in schools.