Staff Reporter 

AALO, Nov 9: A Class XI student, Tato Podo, of St. Xavier’s International School, Bogdo, Aalo, in West Siang district, was found dead inside a school bathroom early Saturday morning.
According to school authorities, CCTV footage showed that the student entered the bathroom around 10:27 p.m. on Friday and never came out. Around 5:00 a.m., other students went to use the bathroom but found the door bolted from inside. After repeated knocks went unanswered, staff members forced the door open and were shocked to find Podo lying on the floor.
A tie was found hanging from the door frame and looped around his neck, suggesting that he may have died by hanging. The school immediately informed the police, and a team led by SI (SG) A. Pangge arrived at the scene to conduct an inquiry. The site was documented through videography and photography, and the Executive Magistrate was notified.
The body was later taken to Zonal General Hospital, Aalo, where the Emergency Medical Officer declared him brought dead. West Siang SP Kardak Riba confirmed that preliminary investigations showed no signs of foul play.
After reviewing CCTV footage, the student’s family expressed their belief that the death was self-inflicted and formally requested withdrawal of police proceedings and release of the body without post-mortem, as per local customary practices. The Executive Magistrate approved the request, and the body was handed over to the family for the last rites at Gapur village, informed police.
This heartbreaking incident comes barely days after the mysterious death of a cadet at Sainik School Niglok in East Siang district, where three staff members were recently arrested. The two back-to-back student deaths in reputed educational institutions have sent shockwaves across Arunachal Pradesh, raising serious concerns over student welfare, mental health, and institutional safety mechanisms.

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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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