Ragging horror: 12-year-old school student found dead, 8 seniors detained

By Sumesh Rajan | November 7, 2025

East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, INDIA: A 12-year-old student of Sainik School, Niglok, in East Siang district was found dead in an overhead water supply tank within the school premises on November 1, triggering widespread outrage and allegations of ragging by senior students.

According to police sources, the school’s Vice Principal initially reported the death as a suspected case of suicide. However, the family of the deceased student, identified as Tadu Tani, has alleged that the boy was driven to take the extreme step due to continuous harassment and ragging by senior cadets.

Father Alleges Ragging; 8 Students Apprehended

Tani’s father lodged an FIR at the Ruksin police station, claiming that a group of students from Classes VIII and X were responsible for the bullying that led to his son’s death.

“Some senior students from Class VIII and X are involved in ragging. We believe this is the reason behind my son’s death,” he told reporters while collecting his child’s belongings from the school.

Following the complaint, eight students were detained by Arunachal Pradesh Police on November 4 and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in Pasighat. The Principal Magistrate of the JJB has placed the accused—classified as Children in Conflict with Law (CCLs)—in the custody of the school’s Vice Principal for a week. Their guardians have been directed to furnish undertakings under Rule 11(6) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules.

Police officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and assured that “the case will reach its logical conclusion after all evidence is gathered.”

Sister Alleges Torture and Delayed Action

Fresh revelations have intensified the case after the boy’s sister, Tadu Lunia, who also holds the title of Miss Arunachal 2024, shared an emotional video on Instagram alleging that her brother was subjected to severe physical and mental torture on the night before his death.

According to Lunia, testimonies from dormitory mates indicated that around 11 p.m. on October 31, a group of eight Class X students and three from Class VIII entered the Class VII dormitory in the absence of supervising staff. The seniors allegedly forced the juniors to cover their heads with blankets and singled out her brother, taking him to the Class X dormitory.

“No one knows what happened behind that closed door,” Lunia said, claiming that her brother was harassed throughout the night and branded a “thief” over a missing book.

She further revealed that CCTV footage showed the boy pacing nervously at around 5:45 a.m., moments before entering a classroom to write what appeared to be his final note.

“His last words were, ‘Seniors tortured me a lot, and I don’t know what I will do now,’” she said, breaking down during the statement.

Lunia also alleged delays in the post-mortem report and warned of possible external interference in the investigation. “We know the names of those involved. I fear justice may be compromised,” she said, appealing for public support.

Student Bodies Demand Fair Probe

The incident has sparked outrage across the state, with the Apatani Students’ Union (ASU), All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), All Lower Subansiri District Students’ Union (ALSDSU), and All East Siang District Students’ Union (ESDSU) jointly visiting the school to inquire into the case.

The unions have issued a two-week ultimatum to the district administration and police to ensure a transparent and time-bound investigation, warning that failure to deliver justice would result in statewide democratic agitation.

Questions Over Safety in Sainik Schools

The tragic death has reignited concerns over student safety, supervision lapses, and the culture of discipline within Sainik Schools—institutions historically known for grooming future leaders of the armed forces.

As the investigation continues, the boy’s family and several student organizations are demanding accountability from the school management and a re-evaluation of disciplinary mechanisms in residential educational institutions.