Crime Branch moves to make Seventh Day School an accused for ‘serious negligence’ in student murder case

The investigation into the murder of a Class 10 student outside Seventh Day Adventist School in Khokhra has taken a new turn, with the Ahmedabad Crime Branch initiating proceedings to make the school an accused in the case.

Officials said the Crime Branch has begun the process of seeking the court’s permission to formally arraign the school management, citing what investigators described as “grave negligence and dereliction of duty” on the part of the institution.

According to sources, investigators believe the school failed to act despite repeated signs of simmering turf rivalry among student groups, which eventually culminated in the fatal assault earlier this month. The Crime Branch has already arrested two juveniles in connection with the killing, which has sparked outrage among parents and residents.

“Preliminary findings suggest that the school did not take adequate preventive steps even though they were aware of the hostility between certain groups of students. We are moving to hold the school accountable,” a senior Crime Branch officer said.

If the court grants permission, the school management will face charges of negligence, adding a new layer to the high-profile case. Investigators said the move would also pave the way for examining institutional responsibility in violent incidents within and outside campuses.

With this step, officials said, the probe is expected to gather further momentum in the coming weeks.