In a chilling incident that has left a boarding school community in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, in shock, a 13-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly killing a 9-year-old schoolmate. The motive? To ensure the school’s closure so he could return home. The tragic incident, which occurred nearly two months ago, came to light when the accused confessed during police interviews with students.
The Incident: A Gruesome Discovery
The body of the 9-year-old was discovered on September 26 in the backseat of the school director’s car. Initially, the discovery led to speculation of ritualistic motives involving the school director and his family. The suspicions were fueled by claims that the alleged “sacrifice” was intended to bring fame to the school and resolve personal issues. Five individuals, including the school director, were arrested under charges of murder and evidence tampering.
However, the case took an unexpected turn when a new suspect emerged—a fellow student.
A Startling Confession
Superintendent of Police Chiranjeev Nath Sinha provided new insights into the case on Thursday. During interviews conducted with students, police noticed the 13-year-old boy exhibiting unusual behavior. He was overheard asking classmates about ways to shut down the school. When questioned further, the boy confessed to the crime, revealing that he believed the death of the 9-year-old would lead to the school’s closure, enabling him to return home.
The accused admitted to using a towel to strangle the victim. CCTV footage corroborated his statement, showing the teenager walking around the school premises with a towel before the incident. Following the crime, he reportedly asked a friend to sleep beside him, claiming he was scared.
Authorities’ Response and Legal Proceedings
The 13-year-old is currently in juvenile detention as the investigation continues. Law enforcement officials are now focusing on verifying the timeline of events and understanding the accused’s psychological state. Superintendent Sinha emphasized the complexity of the case, stating, “The suspect’s mindset and actions are deeply concerning. It highlights the need for robust psychological support systems in schools.”
Parallel Incident in Delhi
This incident comes in the wake of a similar tragedy earlier this month in Delhi, where a 12-year-old student of a Vasant Vihar private school allegedly pushed and strangulated a classmate. The victim succumbed to injuries hours after the fight. These back-to-back cases have raised concerns about violence among minors and the effectiveness of disciplinary and support mechanisms in educational institutions.
Impact and Reflections
The incident has sparked widespread debate about mental health support for students in boarding schools. Experts stress the importance of creating a safe environment where children feel heard and understood. “The actions of the accused reflect a deeper issue of distress and a lack of proper coping mechanisms,” said a child psychologist.
Additionally, questions are being raised about the role of school management in ensuring the psychological well-being of students. Authorities are being urged to implement measures such as regular counseling sessions and training staff to recognize early signs of distress or behavioral issues.
 A Wake-Up Call for Schools
This harrowing case serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to address mental health and safety in schools. While the investigation continues, the focus must shift toward preventing such tragedies in the future. Creating a nurturing environment for students, coupled with proactive mental health interventions, could be the key to averting similar incidents and ensuring schools remain safe havens for learning and growth.Â