The death of a 12-year-old Class VII student at Sainik School in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district on November 1, 2025, has sparked fresh allegations of severe bullying and torture by senior students.

The victim’s sister, Miss Arunachal 2024 Tadu Lunia, alleged a group of senior boys forcefully entered the Class VII dormitory on October 31 night, harassed her brother mentally and physically, and branded him a thief. CCTV footage showed the victim’s distressed state before writing a note blaming the seniors.

The district police detained eight senior students, and the case has been upgraded following an FIR filed by the victim’s father.​

Incident Details and Victim’s Account

According to the victim’s sister, around 11 pm on October 31, eight Class X and three Class VIII students entered the Class VII dormitory without supervision. They allegedly forced juniors to cover their heads with blankets and singled out her brother, taking him to the Class X dormitory where the harassment continued through the night.

The victim was threatened with public humiliation through a video recording, accused of theft relating to a missing book, and deprived of rest. The victim’s last documented words, captured on CCTV, were “Seniors tortured me a lot, and I don’t know what I will do now”.​

Investigation and Official Statements

Arunachal Pradesh Police have detained eight students connected to the case and produced them before the Juvenile Justice Board in Pasighat. The accused have been placed under the school’s vice principal’s custody.

The case was initially registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) but was upgraded after the victim’s father filed an additional FIR alleging ragging.

While police emphasized their commitment to a fair and thorough investigation, the victim’s family expressed concerns about the delayed post-mortem report and slow progress, fearing external interference may obstruct justice.​

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

This tragic incident lays bare the devastating consequences of unchecked bullying and the critical need for safe, accountable school environments. The Logical Indian advocates zero tolerance for ragging and harassment, urging educational authorities to implement robust mechanisms for student protection and swift justice. Beyond punitive action, fostering empathetic, respectful school cultures is key to nurturing healthy development and preventing such irreversible harm.