Ahmedabad was left shocked after a Class 8 student fatally stabbed a Class 10 student at Seventh Day School in Khokhara following what began as a minor scuffle. According to reports, the incident quickly escalated, leading to widespread anger among the victim’s family and community members.
Following the student’s death, distraught relatives and members of the community stormed the school, attacking the principal and staff and causing significant damage to school property. The student’s funeral procession has since drawn large crowds, accompanied by heavy police deployment to prevent further unrest. Members of organizations including the VHP, Bajrang Dal, and ABVP also joined the procession, demanding justice.
Eyewitness accounts from students allege serious lapses in the school’s response. One student claimed that despite teachers and security guards being present, no help was provided as the injured boy lay bleeding for nearly 30 minutes. Witnesses say the attacker fled immediately after the stabbing, leaving the victim in critical condition before he was rushed to Sardar Patel Hospital, where he later died.
Community Erupts in Protest
Reports suggest that anger boiled over soon after the death was confirmed on Wednesday, August 20. Relatives, along with members of the Sindhi community, barged into the school premises, physically assaulted staff, damaged property, and displayed banners demanding justice. Some family members even refused to accept the victim’s body until official assurances were given. Roads were also blocked as protesters staged sit-ins.
School’s Response
Mayurika Patel, the school administrator, stated that disciplinary action had already been taken against the accused student in the past. She emphasized that the incident occurred outside the school premises and denied that the weapon was brought into the school. “The accused had kept the knife in a vehicle parked outside. The attack took place outside the school,” she told reporters, adding that a leaving certificate (LC) would be issued for the accused.
Government Reactio
Education Minister Praful Panseriya described the incident as deeply disturbing, calling it a “red signal” for society. He emphasized the need for stronger parental supervision, warning about the dangerous mindset of children resorting to such violence over minor altercations. He also confirmed that a full investigation has been ordered.
Police and Official Statements
Police confirmed that a case of attempted murder had been registered immediately after the stabbing and that the minor accused was taken into custody under the Juvenile Justice Act. After the victim’s death, charges were updated, and police appealed to the public to maintain calm and allow the investigation to proceed.
Authorities also urged parents to submit complaints in writing so the education department could initiate appropriate action. Police said efforts were made to control the mob during the vandalism, and CCTV footage would help identify those involved in damaging school property.
Maninagar MLA Amul Bhatt also appealed for peace, asking people not to take the law into their own hands and assuring that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
How the Attack Happened
Initial investigations revealed that the Class 8 attacker, along with 7–8 others, assaulted the Class 10 victim as an act of revenge for a prior scuffle. After school hours, the group confronted the victim and stabbed him in the stomach, leaving him gravely injured. Though rushed to hospital, he could not survive.
Departmental Action
Ahmedabad city’s District Education Officer, Rohit Chaudhary, said the school had not provided any official intimation about the incident. A notice has been issued to the school, demanding a formal report. The school has also declared a day of mourning and closed for classes as a mark of respect.