An alleged attempt to steal money for a local fair escalated into a violent assault on the very principal who once headed the students’ school, according to the police.

The case in Jharkhand’s Khunti district raises urgent questions about youth behaviour, institutional security and the consequences of decisions made without regard for human life.

Father Benedict Barla, principal of RC Boys Middle School, associated with St Michael’s Church in Khunti, was found unconscious with serious head injuries on the school premises on the morning of October 21, 2026. He was taken to a hospital in Ranchi, where he remained under treatment, with reports describing his condition as ‘critical’ and then ‘turning normal’.

According to police, four former students entered the school at around 8.30 pm on October 20, allegedly intending to steal money to visit a local fair. When Father Barla arrived unexpectedly, one of them allegedly struck him on the forehead and temple with a small hoe-like implement. The group then reportedly took cash and other items from the office and fled. The incident lasted approximately 30 minutes.

Investigation Leads to Three Juvenile Suspects

Khunti police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), using CCTV footage, mobile tower data and questioning to identify those allegedly involved. Three juveniles, aged 13, 14 and 15, were detained, while a search continued for the fourth suspect.

Police said all four were former students who had completed Class 7 at the school and had previously stayed in its hostel. Investigators recovered ₹85,747 in cash, mobile phones and other items allegedly purchased using the stolen money. Some cash and phones had reportedly been concealed in a forest.

Public Anger and the Demand for Justice

The assault triggered outrage in Khunti. Members of the Christian community and local residents held a silent march and staged a road blockade, demanding strict action. The investigation continues to establish individual responsibility and complete the sequence of events.

The Message: Education Must Extend Beyond the Classroom

A school’s influence should endure long after students leave its gates. Yet education must be reinforced by responsibility, guidance and respect for human life. The case calls for justice through due process, appropriate accountability for juvenile offenders and stronger attention to the social and behavioural challenges confronting young people. Protecting educators and nurturing responsible citizens must remain shared priorities.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/4-ex-students-enter-jharkhand-school-to-steal-money-then-attack-principal-12228411