Class 5 student with severe burns dies in Patna school; family alleges conspiracy

Patna: A Class 5 girl, found with severe burn injuries inside a washroom at Amla Tola Kanya Vidyalaya in Patna’s Gardanibagh area, died at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Wednesday night.

The incident has sparked outrage, with the victim’s family alleging foul play. Based on a complaint by the girl’s father, police have registered a murder case against unidentified persons at Gardanibagh police station.

According to officials, the girl, identified as Zoya, was rushed to the burn ward of PMCH with serious injuries to her face, throat and eyes. Despite efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.

Her sister, Nargis, alleged that a teacher, named Anil Sir, along with others from the school, conspired to kill her. She claimed Zoya had earlier confided that she saw a teacher misbehaving with a student and was later threatened with expulsion if she spoke about it. “By 10 a.m., school was over, but my sister did not return home. Later, we were told she was found unconscious in the toilet. This is a murder,” Nargis alleged.

Zoya’s mother also accused school staff of setting her daughter on fire. However, police said the victim, in her dying declaration, did not name anyone responsible.

Investigators are scanning CCTV footage and questioning staff and students to determine how inflammable material entered the school premises. Both possibilities, whether the act was self-inflicted or the result of a planned attack, are being examined.

Central SP Diksha said the case was being probed from every angle. “The family has raised concerns about a prior molestation incident. We are investigating that as well. So far, no arrests or detentions have been made. We have registered an FIR of murder against unknown persons in the Gardanibagh police station,” she said.

The mysterious death has shocked the locality, with residents demanding strict action against those responsible.