KOHIMA — A case of alleged physical assault of
a class 10 student of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima, is “under
investigation,” according to official sources.
The District Child Protection Unit, Kohima, and Child
Helpline on Monday confirmed that the case is under investigation.
However, it was learnt that no formal complaints have been
submitted to the authorities till date. The agencies concerned have taken the
matter into account, and an investigation is underway to determine the facts.
The child is currently admitted in the intensive care unit
at a hospital in Guwahati.
The child's parents had earlier written to the Kohima
Village Council mentioning that their son was “brutally” assaulted by a group
of students from his school earlier on February 20.
Following the event, the child initially experienced severe
vomiting. However, his symptoms persisted, and he was later diagnosed with
gastrointestinal perforation with peritonitis on March 26 and underwent surgery
at a private hospital in Kohima, it was reported.
“This inhumane act has left him in excruciating pain,
fighting for his life. Such barbaric behaviour is intolerable in a civilised
society and reflects a grave lack of discipline and moral values among
students. Acts of violence cannot be excused under any circumstances,
regardless of the backgrounds of those involved,” the victim’s parents stated.
Meanwhile, the principal of DBHSS, Kohima, in a letter,
stated that the school management took “immediate and necessary actions” as
soon as it became aware of the incident.
He mentioned that the students involved in the incident were
called to the school and, in the presence of the teachers and the principal,
asked to provide a written statement about the incident.
“Given that the village council and the CHL (Child Helpline)
are actively involved in conducting enquiries, the school management has
decided to withhold any actions on the students concerned and to wait for the
conclusion of the various enquiries,” the principal added.