Yukesh Pyakurel, 10, of Triyuga-13 Chuhade was crushed inside the toilet of Udayashree Higher Secondary School at Jaljale, Triyuga-11 at around 3:30 in the afternoon, according to Area Police Office, Jaljale. [break]
Angry guradians gathered at the school immediately as the news about the death of the third grader spread across the town and torched the school at various points.
Former teacher at the school, Radha Raman Khatiwada, who witnessed the arson, said computers, furnitures, and all physical infrastructure of the administration section, library, and principal´s office have been destroyed by the fire.
Principal Manoj Karna and chairman of school management committee Sanjay Lal Karna, who had fled the school immediately after the incident, reached the police for security in the evening. Eyewitnesses said the guardians resorted to more damage after being unable to find the duo at the school.
Police took control of Jaljale only at seven in the evening after firing a blank round in the air and three tear gas canisters and resorting to baton-charge. Over half a dozen persons including policemen were injured in the scuffle.
DSP Rajendra Thapa said additional force had to be sought from the headquarters to take the situtaion under control. A fire engine that reached the site from Lahan, Siraha was forced to return as the mob of around 2,000 persons pelted stones at it.
The four-inch brick wall that collapsed was erected in front of the toilet apparently for stopping others from peeping into as the toilet doors were damaged. Police say the wall might have collapsed when the boy shook it while stepping out of the toilet.
The details of damage caused to the school by irate guardians are yet to come out. It is estimated that the school lab alone has borne the loss of Rs two million. Altogehter 16 computers and various science equipment were damaged in the lab.
Overe 1,000 students are studying at the school operated by a group of employees of Udaypur Cement Factory. The school had earned reputation for its good SLC results.
Irate locals had blocked Lahan-Gaighat road from Tuesday evening protesting the incident.
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