Three former pupils, aged 13 to 15, held for attack on Khunti school principal

Police in Jharkhand’s Khunti district have detained three boys, aged 13, 14 and 15, over a brutal attack on the principal of a Catholic school earlier this week, and are looking for a fourth. All four are former pupils.

Superintendent of Police Rishabh Garg told reporters on Friday that the boys had passed Class 7 at RC Boys Middle School, which is linked to St Michael’s Church in Khunti, and had lived in its hostel. He said they went back to the school at about 8:30 pm on 20 October to steal money to spend at a local fair.

The principal, Father Benedict Barla, came upon them unexpectedly. Police said he was struck on the forehead and temple with a small hoe-like tool. The attack lasted about half an hour. He was found unconscious on the campus the next morning, and police were told at about 8:45 am on 21 October. He is still being treated at a hospital in Ranchi.

A special investigation team traced the boys using CCTV footage, mobile tower data and questioning. Police recovered ₹85,747 in cash, mobile phones and items bought with the stolen money. Some of the cash and phones had been buried in a forest.

The age and role of the fourth accused are not yet known.

The attack had shaken the town. Members of the Christian community and local residents held a silent march demanding strict action and blocked a road. Because the three detained boys are minors, their cases will be handled under the juvenile justice law, and their names cannot be made public.