Jharkhand Class 12 Student Dies After Alleged Torture by School Principal; Family Protests

October 15, 2025

Ranchi: A class 12 student in Garhwa, Jharkhand, died on Tuesday after being in a coma for nearly a month, allegedly following mental and physical torture by her school principal for wearing slippers to school.

The incident has sparked outrage, with family members and villagers blocking the Bargarh-Bhandaria Road demanding justice.

Incident in School Assembly

According to the family, Divya Kumari Gupta, 19, a resident of Ugra village, was beaten and humiliated in the school assembly at Pariyojna High School, Bargarh, on September 15 by principal Draupadi Minj for not wearing shoes.

“After returning home, Divya cried for two days and later fell ill due to depression. She was first treated in Daltonganj and later referred to Ranchi for better care. She passed away at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) after nearly a month in a coma,” said Divya’s father, Anjay Gupta.

Family Protests and Road Blockade

In anger, Divya’s family and villagers blocked the Bargarh-Bhandaria Road, burning tyres and shouting slogans against the school principal. They demanded the immediate suspension and arrest of Draupadi Minj, along with adequate compensation for the family.

The blockade lasted over four hours and was lifted around 5.15 pm after MP VD Ram intervened.

Administrative Action

The District Education Officer ordered the removal of the principal and constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident and submit a report within 24 hours.

An FIR has been registered, and the local police have confirmed that they are investigating the matter.

Block Development Officer Amit Kumar stated:

“We will investigate the matter, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the girl’s death.”