Class 5 girl dies of burns at Patna school as foul play allegations spark violent protests

Patna witnessed high drama and chaos on August 27 after a Class 5 student succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained inside the premises of a government-run school, sparking allegations of “foul play” and violent protests by locals.

Police said the girl, who had not attended classes for nearly a week, was found engulfed in flames inside a school bathroom around 10 am, while the morning assembly was underway. According to officials, the school’s cook first noticed the fire and raised an alarm, following which staff rushed the child to Patna Medical College and Hospital. Despite efforts, she died later in the day.

Forensic teams have collected evidence from the scene, and CCTV footage is being examined to piece together her final movements. “It is not yet clear whether the incident was self-inflicted or if others were involved. The principal, staff, and others are being questioned,” a senior officer said.

The death sparked outrage in the locality, with the girl’s family — her father, a vegetable seller, and mother, a midwife — accusing school staff of a premeditated attack. “The burns could not have been self-inflicted. This is murder,” the grieving parents alleged. Based on their statement, police have registered a case of murder.

As news of the incident spread, enraged crowds stormed the school, vandalised furniture, blocked nearby roads, and set tyres ablaze. Clashes broke out with police attempting to disperse the mob, leaving a constable injured after stone-pelting. Senior officers, including City SP (Central) Diksha, rushed to the spot to restore order.

The probe now hinges on CCTV evidence and witness accounts as investigators attempt to reconstruct how the child moved from the assembly to the bathroom. An FIR is being filed as tensions remain high in the area. Patna witnessed high drama and chaos on August 27 after a Class 5 student succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained inside the premises of a government-run school, sparking allegations of “foul play” and violent protests by locals.

Police said the girl, who had not attended classes for nearly a week, was found engulfed in flames inside a school bathroom around 10 am, while the morning assembly was underway. According to officials, the school’s cook first noticed the fire and raised an alarm, following which staff rushed the child to Patna Medical College and Hospital. Despite efforts, she died later in the day.

Forensic teams have collected evidence from the scene, and CCTV footage is being examined to piece together her final movements. “It is not yet clear whether the incident was self-inflicted or if others were involved. The principal, staff, and others are being questioned,” a senior officer said.

The death sparked outrage in the locality, with the girl’s family — her father, a vegetable seller, and mother, a midwife — accusing school staff of a premeditated attack. “The burns could not have been self-inflicted. This is murder,” the grieving parents alleged. Based on their statement, police have registered a case of murder.

As news of the incident spread, enraged crowds stormed the school, vandalised furniture, blocked nearby roads, and set tyres ablaze. Clashes broke out with police attempting to disperse the mob, leaving a constable injured after stone-pelting. Senior officers, including City SP (Central) Diksha, rushed to the spot to restore order.

The probe now hinges on CCTV evidence and witness accounts as investigators attempt to reconstruct how the child moved from the assembly to the bathroom. An FIR is being filed as tensions remain high in the area.