Video: Class 12 student repeatedly slapped by classmates at Gujarat hostel

A Class 12 student was beaten by four of his classmates inside their hostel room in Gujarat's Junagadh, a day after a fight broke out during a kabaddi match on July 26. The assault was captured on video by one of the students, which was later circulated.

According to the complaint, all the boys involved were hostel residents. The victim, frightened after the incident, told hostel authorities he was unwell and left with his father. His family alleged that the school management attempted to conceal the matter. Almost a month later, when the victim's father learnt the details, he approached the police and submitted the video as evidence.

Police officer Hitesh Dhandhalia said that based on the complaint and the video, a case has been registered under the Juvenile Justice Act against four students, and the role of the school management is also under investigation.

"On July 26, during the kabaddi match, some words were exchanged following which the four students assaulted the victim on July 27. Based on the video that went viral, a case was registered under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act," the officer said.

The boy's father, Vimal Choncha, said, "This is my son. I live in Upleta. Last month, my son was beaten in the hostel by some boys. I found out through Instagram. The school management did not inform us and tried to hide it. When I went to meet them, they did not meet me or take my calls."

The victim's uncle, Ranabhai, added, "We came to know about this incident only two days ago. The school knew the next day but immediately sent the boys who assaulted him back home without informing us. If something had happened to our child, who would have been responsible? Such schools should be shut down. In Ahmedabad, parents lost their son in a recent incident. Even if justice comes now, what is the use? The school management is responsible and such schools should lose their recognition."

The case surfaced soon after a similar incident in Vadodara, where a student was killed by another with a knife, deepening concerns over children's safety in schools.

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