Daijiworld Media Network – Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Aug 21: Ahmedabad witnessed tense scenes on Friday as protests escalated over the shocking murder of a Class 10 student, allegedly stabbed to death by a junior at a private school earlier this week.

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress, staged demonstrations outside the Seventh Day Adventist School, demanding its closure. Several NSUI activists were detained after clashing with police while attempting to storm the premises. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also held protests, resulting in nearly 200 schools in Maninagar, Khokhara and Isanpur remaining closed.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, when 15-year-old Nayan Santani was attacked with a knife by a Class 8 student outside the school building after hours. CCTV footage reportedly captured the attack, while a security guard later caught the accused as he tried to escape from behind the building. The boy has since been detained and a case registered.

Outrage grew after the victim’s family accused the school of negligence, alleging that an ambulance was not called in time and that a water tanker was used to wash away bloodstains, allegedly to destroy evidence. The school has not issued a statement on these allegations.

In retaliation, a mob vandalised the school premises on Thursday, damaging property and allegedly thrashing staff. The school administration has lodged a police complaint over the vandalism. According to sources, more than 500 people have now been booked on charges of rioting, assault and destruction of property.