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The horrifying incident of a Class 2 student being killed in his school hostel in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, has sent shockwaves through India. Police investigations have revealed that the boy was allegedly 'sacrificed' as part of a black magic ritual, with the aim of bringing success and fame to the school. This horrific act has cast a dark shadow on the educational institution and raised serious concerns about the safety of children in schools.
The boy's father, Kishan Kushwaha, has accused the school authorities of misleading him about his son's death. He claims that the school manager initially informed him of his son's poor health, only to later reveal that the boy was found dead in the car of the school director, Dinesh Baghel. The father further stated that his son was strangled and his neck bones were broken, adding that Baghel was inebriated at the time the body was discovered. Kushwaha demands justice for his son and the hanging of the perpetrators, expressing disbelief that black magic could be practiced at the school. He insists that the true motive behind this gruesome act must be investigated.
Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including the school director, Dinesh Baghel, and three teachers. This incident has brought to light a disturbing aspect of superstition and exploitation, highlighting the need for stringent measures to prevent such acts. The arrest of the school officials raises concerns about the extent of their involvement in the alleged ritual and whether there were other instances of similar practices within the school. The father's demand for a thorough investigation and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) underscores the need for a comprehensive probe into the incident.
The incident also sheds light on the alarming lack of oversight and regulatory mechanisms in some educational institutions. The Hathras basic education officer's letter demanding an FIR against the school director for illegally running a residential school beyond the granted permission further highlights the lack of compliance and the potential for such violations to create vulnerable environments. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need to strengthen safety protocols, implement stricter regulations, and promote a culture of ethical conduct within educational institutions. It is essential to address the root causes of superstition and exploitation, and to ensure the protection and well-being of all children.