Ahmedabad: Tension gripped several parts of the city on Thursday as protests spread across Isanpur, Maninagar, Ghodasar, and Khokhra following the brutal murder of a 15-year-old Class 10 student of Seventh Day Adventist Higher Secondary School, Khokhra. Anger spilled onto the streets after Nayan Santani succumbed to injuries from a stabbing attack allegedly carried out by a fellow student.

Commercial establishments, including shops in Maninagar and adjoining areas, remained shut for much of the day in response to a bandh call. Traders said the move was a mark of respect and solidarity with the bereaved family, further intensifying the atmosphere of unrest.

Additionally, student groups, led by members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), clashed with police when they attempted to lock down the school gates. More than 50 individuals were detained as protesters poured into the area throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has sought a detailed report from the school. Chairperson Dharmishtha Gajjar said, “It is natural for people to be angry over such an incident. We have sought a report from the school and will take necessary action after reviewing it.”

The Khokhra police have registered two separate complaints — one relating to Nayan’s murder, and another against nearly 400 people for rioting, assault, and vandalism on the school campus on Wednesday. The case has since been transferred to the Ahmedabad Crime Branch following mounting pressure from family members and locals.

According to police, mob violence caused damages worth ₹15–50 lakh to school property. In her complaint, long-time staff member Mayurika Patel stated that a crowd stormed the campus, damaged CCTV cameras, windows, buses, smart boards, and televisions, and even assaulted staff members.

The Murder and Investigation

The incident took place around 12:30 pm on August 19, when the accused minor — a Class 8 student — allegedly approached Nayan outside the school gate and stabbed him with a foldable box cutter. Initially believed to be a knife or glass shard, police later confirmed the use of the cutter.

Nayan was rushed to a hospital in Maninagar, but despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment at 3 am on Wednesday. The primary accused was detained within hours of the incident, while another juvenile suspect has also been formally detained by the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) for questioning.

Investigators revealed that CCTV footage of the actual stabbing was unavailable, though cameras did capture Nayan re-entering the school premises with his injuries. Officials admitted this lapse could complicate the probe. The mobile phones of both juveniles have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) after purported chat screenshots between them went viral on social media.

Locals and parents have alleged that after the stabbing, the injured student was left untreated for a prolonged period on campus while school staff “made efforts to wash away bloodstains instead.” These claims have fueled widespread anger against the school management, which is already facing criticism for its delayed response.

The large-scale protests and violence have prompted heavy deployment of police outside the school premises. Security forces continue to monitor the situation in Khokhra and adjoining localities.

The tragic death of Nayan Santani has sparked citywide outrage, highlighting not only school safety lapses but also growing concerns around juvenile crime. With the case now in the hands of the Crime Branch, the investigation is expected to intensify in the coming days. DeshGujarat