In a deeply disturbing incident, a Class IV student lost her life after being allegedly assaulted by two of her classmates during school hours in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, said police on Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Smriti Kumari, was a student of a middle school in Soharwa village under the Sonbarsa block, located near the India-Nepal border. According to local accounts, the incident occurred on Monday at around 2:30 pm following a dispute over an electric fan inside the classroom.
Witnesses said the altercation began when Smriti attempted to switch on the fan, which led to a disagreement that quickly escalated into a physical fight. During the scuffle, two girls allegedly attacked her, leaving her critically injured.
Teachers present at the school intervened and informed Smriti’s uncle, Nagendra Rai. Family members rushed her to a private clinic in Sitamarhi. However, as her condition worsened, she was referred to a hospital in Patna for advanced treatment. She died on the way near Hajipur while being transported in an ambulance.
A post-mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday. Police officials have launched an investigation into the incident.
“The matter is being investigated. We are collecting information from teachers and students. Further action will be taken based on the findings,” said Ashish Anand, Sadar SDPO (II).
The victim’s family has alleged negligence on the part of the school authorities. They claimed that timely intervention by teachers could have prevented the situation from escalating. Questions have also been raised regarding the role of the school administration, including the principal.
“If such an incident can occur within school premises, how can parents feel safe sending their children to school?” a family member said, expressing concern over student safety.
The incident has sparked outrage locally, with demands for accountability and stricter safety measures in schools.
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