Junagadh: A controversy has erupted after a student studying at Alpha International School was allegedly beaten by other students in the school’s hostel. The incident, which reportedly occurred a month ago, was allegedly suppressed by the school management, according to the student’s parents. Meanwhile, the school administration claims the incident took place in a privately managed hostel, attempting to distance itself from responsibility.

School administrator G.P. Kathi admitted ownership of the hostel but clarified that he had leased it to Rajabhai Zala for a year. He added that the incident occurred in a hostel room, not on school premises, and that the students involved have been removed by the hostel management.

તમારા બાળક ને હોસ્ટેલ માં મૂકતા પહેલા વિચારજો આજની યુવાધન કેવી માનસિકતા ધરાવે છે તેનું જીતુ જાગતું ઉદાહરણ #જૂનાગઢ pic.twitter.com/PKqA3tiuit

— Divu Ahir (@Divuahirr) September 4, 2025

The student’s father alleged that the school was aware of the incident the very next day, as a video of the assault had reached school and hostel authorities, yet no information was provided to the parents. “My son was under severe mental stress after the incident and, out of fear, could not tell anyone about it. We came to know about this matter on August 30, 2025,” he said. The parents allege that the school tried to shirk its responsibility and suppress this serious incident.

Following the complaint, the police have initiated action. The father filed a case at C Division Police Station against all five students involved, including four who carried out the assault and one who recorded it. Police officials confirmed that all students involved are minors.

When asked about the issue, in-charge District Education Officer Lata Upadhyay said the hostel does not fall under the education department’s jurisdiction. “If a child is at school, the school is fully responsible. But if the child is in a hostel, the responsibility lies with the hostel management. We cannot take direct action against the hostel,” she stated, adding that any school negligence revealed during further investigations would lead to strict action to ensure student safety.