Arunachal: SIT Takes Charge of Sainik School Niglok Student Death Case, Three Staff Members Arrested

On November 1, a tragic incident occurred at Sainik School Niglok, Arunachal Pradesh, resulting in the death of a Class 7 student, Master Tadu Haro. In response, the Superintendent of Police, Pankaj Lamba, issued an official update on the matter, providing key details of the ongoing investigation and administrative measures taken by the authorities.

According to SP Lamba, three staff members associated with the school—two House Masters and the House Superintendent—have been arrested on charges of alleged negligence in hostel supervision, which is considered a contributing factor to the tragic death of the student. Following their arrest, the accused were remanded to judicial custody for periods of 14 and 18 days, respectively, to allow proper legal proceedings while the investigation continues. The arrests underscore the seriousness of administrative lapses in student supervision, particularly in residential institutions like Sainik School Niglok.

A significant part of the investigation involves the analysis of CCTV footage obtained from the school premises. The police have seized the video recordings, which are currently under detailed examination. Authorities have confirmed that portions of the footage will be shared with the parents of the deceased student to maintain transparency and ensure they are fully informed about the inquiry process. Preliminary assessments of the CCTV footage suggest that certain students may have been involved in ragging activities, which could have contributed to the circumstances leading to the student’s death. While these initial findings point to potential peer misconduct, the police have emphasized that all available evidence is being scrutinized carefully and comprehensively to avoid premature conclusions.

In the wake of the incident, immediate administrative action was taken to ensure continued oversight of the school. The administrative responsibility has been handed over to the Vice Principal, who is now overseeing the school’s functioning under strict monitoring and enhanced supervision. This measure is intended to maintain order, ensure student safety, and prevent any further lapses while the investigation proceeds. The authorities are focused on maintaining discipline and creating a secure environment for students during this sensitive period.

To guarantee a thorough, impartial, and in-depth investigation, the case has been transferred to the Crime Branch’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Itanagar. The SIT will conduct further inquiries under close oversight, examining all aspects of the incident, including staff involvement, student behavior, and institutional policies. The transfer of the case to a specialized investigative team highlights the gravity of the incident and the authorities’ commitment to ensuring accountability.

Overall, the incident at Sainik School Niglok has raised serious concerns about hostel management, student safety, and institutional accountability in residential schools. The arrests of the staff members, coupled with the ongoing investigation by the SIT, demonstrate a structured approach to uncovering the facts and ensuring that justice is served. Authorities are committed to a transparent process, involving parents and stakeholders, while maintaining strict vigilance over the school’s functioning to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation continues with a focus on carefully examining all evidence, understanding the sequence of events, and holding responsible parties accountable, while the school operates under enhanced supervision to safeguard the students and restore confidence among parents and the community.