Staff Reporter 

PASIGHAT, Nov 9: In a major breakthrough in the mysterious death case of a cadet at Sainik School Niglok, the East Siang Police has arrested three staff members of the institution after a detailed and sustained investigation into the incident.
According to an official press release issued by Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, the arrests were made on November 8,  in connection with Ruksin Police Station Case No. 20/2025, registered under Sections 108(1)/106(1)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The arrested have been identified as Devendra Singh (42) – House Master, Subansiri House (Junior Cadet Wing), resident of Mau district, Uttar Pradesh, Kangge Darin (31) – House Master, Subansiri House (Senior Cadet Wing), resident of Yagrung village, East Siang district, and Amar Singh Thakur (51) – Hostel Superintendent, Sainik School East Siang, hailing from Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh.
The police stated that the arrests were made following an exhaustive investigation involving the recording of several witness statements and the forensic examination of the sequence of events that led to the tragic death of the cadet.
The SP East Siang further confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing to uncover the complete circumstances surrounding the incident.
Education Minister P.D. Sona earlier visited the school campus soon after the incident and reviewed the situation, and directed officials to ensure transparency and provide timely updates on the progress of the case.
The shocking incident has sparked widespread concern among parents and the public, with many calling for a fair and thorough probe to deliver justice to the deceased cadet and his family.
The case gained widespread attention after Miss Arunachal 2024 Tadu Lunia, the victim's sister, posted a video on Instagram on November 5 alleging that her brother had been subjected to severe bullying hours before his death. Whilst the family was initially told the boy had died by suicide, dormitory mates later described events suggesting he may have been driven to take his own life.
According to Lunia, cadets informed the family that on the night of October 31, a group of eight Class 10 students and three from Class 8 allegedly entered the Class 7 dormitory after 11 pm, when no supervising staff were present. The seniors reportedly forced juniors to cover their heads with blankets before taking her brother to the Class 10 dormitory.
"No one knows what happened behind that closed door," Lunia said, adding that eyewitnesses claimed her brother was "harassed mentally and physically throughout the night." She alleged the boy had been branded a "thief" over a missing book and threatened with public humiliation during school assembly.
Lunia also claimed CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed her brother pacing anxiously around 5:45 am before entering a classroom, where he appeared to write a final note. "His last words were, 'Seniors tortured me a lot, and I don't know what I will do now,'" she said.
The Apatani Youth Association submitted a formal letter on 4 November to the Chief Minister, Governor, Chief Secretary, and Deputy Commissioner of East Siang district, demanding urgent intervention. The organisation called for an early and thorough investigation and urged that all students involved be suspended or rusticated according to school discipline rules.
The youth body further demanded immediate suspension of teaching staff and all personnel on duty at the time of the incident, pending enquiry, and temporary closure of the school until the case is thoroughly investigated. They warned that any negligence or misconduct found during the investigation should result in those responsible being charged under appropriate legal provisions.
Police confirmed that eight students have been detained in connection with the case and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in Pasighat. The case, originally registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, was reclassified after the victim's father lodged an additional FIR on 3 November, alleging ragging by senior students.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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