Damoh Student Stabbed to Death After Board Exam; Eight Minors in Custody
A tragic incident unfolded in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district on Friday afternoon, where a 14-year-old Class 10 student was brutally stabbed to death outside his examination centre. The victim, identified as Rishi Ahirwar, a resident of Imlai village, had just completed his board examination when he was attacked by a group of students. Police have detained eight minor boys in connection with the case after meticulously examining CCTV footage from the area.
Details of the Attack and Immediate Response
The stabbing occurred near Malaiya Mill under the Kotwali police station limits. According to investigators, Rishi was leaving the school examination centre after appearing for his Class 10 exam when he was ambushed by the group. His classmates, who witnessed the attack, rushed him to the district hospital. Despite efforts to save him, Rishi succumbed to his injuries during treatment, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Police Investigation and Suspects' Background
Upon scanning the CCTV footage, police identified eight minor boys suspected of involvement in the attack. All eight have been taken into custody and are currently being interrogated. Preliminary investigations reveal that the incident stemmed from an earlier dispute between the victim and one of the accused. The suspects disclosed during questioning that tensions had escalated after clashes on February 27 and March 2 during examinations.
Police stated that the dispute allegedly began when Rishi stared at the main accused during an exam and abused him when confronted, leading to a heated argument. This confrontation reportedly intensified on March 2, prompting the accused and his associates to plan the attack. On Friday, they confronted Rishi as he was leaving the examination centre, with the main accused and seven other minor students attacking him with a knife before fleeing the scene.
Legal Proceedings and Socio-Economic Context
The detained minors have been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, and further legal action will be determined based on the ongoing investigation. During the interrogation, police gathered background details about the accused students. Officials noted that the boys are aged between 14 and 15 years and come from economically weaker families. The fathers of four of the boys work in Damoh, while the fathers of the remaining children are employed abroad, with the boys living with their mothers.
Additionally, police revealed that seven of the suspects are students of the same school, while the other studies in a different school but resides in the same neighbourhood. This case highlights concerns over juvenile crime and safety around educational institutions, prompting calls for increased vigilance and preventive measures.
