Jharkhand: Protests in Khunti protest deadly attack on school principal, main road blocked for hours

October 21, 2026

Khunti: Hundreds of people from tribal and Christian communities protested on Wednesday following the fatal attack on Father Benedict Barla, principal of RC Boys Middle School and priest associated with St. Michael’s Church in Khunti district, Jharkhand. The protesters held a protest march and blocked the main road, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.

The protesters staged a sit-in at Bhagat Singh Chowk in Khunti city around 10:30 a.m., blocking traffic. At the time of writing this report, the blockade on the Ranchi-Khunti-Chaibasa road continued until 4:30 p.m.

The protesters demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack and the disclosure of the circumstances behind the incident. They warned that the protest would continue until the accused were arrested.

Priest found seriously injured

Khunti Superintendent of Police Rishabh Garg and ASP Christopher Kerketta arrived at the scene and launched an investigation. Seriously injured Father Benedict Barla was first given first aid at Khunti Sadar Hospital. He was then admitted to another hospital for further treatment.

The incident came to light around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. According to Father Nicholas, pastor of the RC Church, a woman who arrived at the school in the morning saw Father Benedict Barla lying injured and covered in blood. She then went to the parish house and informed the people present there about the incident.

Police are trying to identify and locate the woman who first saw the priest injured.

Items found scattered in the school office, with signs of blood stains being removed

During the investigation of the scene, items were found scattered in the school office. Investigators also found signs of an attempt to remove blood stains in the corridor. The priest’s mobile phone, recovered from the scene, is also being examined.

SP Rishabh Garg said that according to CCTV footage, the attack occurred around 9 p.m. on Tuesday night. Father Benedict Barla regularly inspected the school premises at night.

Police suspect that two or three people were already lying in wait. It is suspected that when the priest resisted, they attacked him and fled, leaving him unconscious. According to police, it is possible that the attackers thought the priest was dead.

 Three suspicious young men seen in CCTV footage

According to police, three suspicious young men are seen in CCTV footage. Efforts are underway to identify them.

Dr. Akhilesh, who initially treated the injured priest, reported a round-shaped wound below his left ear. However, it is not yet clear what caused the injury. Investigators are investigating whether the wound was caused by a bullet or some other object.

Police are investigating the case based on CCTV footage, evidence recovered from the scene, and other circumstances. At present, the motive behind the attack and the identity of the accused remain unclear.