In MP, Class 12 Student Shoots School Principal and Escapes on Principal's Two-Wheeler; Arrested from Another State

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews | December 6, 2024, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh: In a shocking incident on Thursday, a government school principal was shot dead by a 17-year-old student inside the premises of Dhamora Government High School, located in Chhatarpur district. The deceased has been identified as Surendra Kumar Saxena, aged 55, who had served as the school principal for the past five years.

According to police sources, the incident occurred around 1:30 PM when two Class 12 students entered the school, as they did regularly. Principal Saxena, while making his way to the school toilet, was followed by the two students. There, one of the students allegedly shot him in the head using a locally-made pistol, causing immediate death. The second student, who accompanied the accused, reportedly did not participate in the shooting and was later seen attempting to stop the crime.

Hearing the gunshots, other teachers and students rushed to the scene, but the assailants had already fled. The accused managed to escape on the principal’s scooter, which was taken alongside Saxena's bike. The police quickly initiated a manhunt, and the primary suspect was arrested a few hours later in Uttar Pradesh’s Mahoba district, near the state border.

The arrested student, a Class 12 pupil at the same school, has been identified as the shooter. Police reports suggest the student was previously reprimanded by Saxena for repeated indiscipline, including misconduct with female students and frequent absences from class. Additionally, it has emerged that the accused had been scolded by the principal on the day of the murder, which may have triggered the violent act. The accused admitted to shooting Saxena in a fit of rage, claiming that he had been hurt by the principal's repeated scoldings.

Superintendent of Police Agam Jain confirmed the arrest of the 17-year-old and stated that the firearm used in the murder had been seized from him. According to the accused, he acted alone, while the second student seen in the CCTV footage may have attempted to intervene. CCTV footage revealed the accused fleeing the school grounds after the incident, though the second student was not involved in the shooting.

Saxena’s family has raised suspicions that the murder was part of a larger conspiracy, possibly involving insiders within the school. Rajendra Saxena, the victim's brother, suggested that the principal had been under pressure from certain school staff members to overlook rules, and this may have led to the fatal attack. Saxena’s brother noted that the school gate, which is typically closed during class hours, was found wide open on the day of the murder.

Meanwhile, teachers at the school have expressed their shock at the crime, describing Principal Saxena as a well-respected figure known for his commitment to discipline and his efforts to counsel troubled students. Harishankar Joshi, a teacher at Dhamora Government High School, praised Saxena as a "gem of a person" and emphasized that he had been working to address the issues surrounding indiscipline, even calling parents when necessary.

Police investigations are ongoing, with officers focusing on the possibility of a wider conspiracy involving school staff. Superintendent of Police Jain clarified that only one student had been charged with the murder, although an initial suspicion of a second accomplice had arisen due to CCTV footage. Additionally, the accused has reportedly identified an individual as the supplier of the weapon, which is now under investigation.

Saxena's colleagues and students are still reeling from the tragic event. The motive for the killing appears to stem from the student's long-standing grievances, but the family of the deceased has called for a thorough probe into the broader circumstances surrounding the crime.

The tragic event has shocked the local community, sparking discussions about the state of discipline in schools and the growing incidents of violence among students. Parents and local authorities have expressed concern over the alarming rise in student indiscipline, with some calling for stricter monitoring of students and better communication between schools and law enforcement.

The death of Principal Surendra Kumar Saxena has sent shockwaves through Chhatarpur and beyond, highlighting deep concerns regarding student behavior, school discipline, and potential internal conspiracies. Authorities have vowed to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth behind this gruesome act.

As investigations continue, the school community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event, which has left a lasting impact on the students, teachers, and family of the victim.