Arunachal: Candlelight Vigil in Model Village; Families Demand Justice for Students Killed in School Water Tank Collapse

ITANAGAR: Hundreds of people gathered in a solemn candlelight vigil on Saturday to seek justice for three Class 9 students of St. Alphonsa School who lost their lives when an overhead water tank collapsed in the school’s assembly hall on 14 December.

The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of Ekam Bagang, Rei Dol, and Marsu Dubi, while two other students, Licha Buttum (Class 6) and Toko Dolum (Class 8), suffered serious injuries. Buttum had to undergo major leg surgery after the accident. The students were to take their exams that day.

The vigil, organized by the parents and guardians of the deceased and survivors, voiced frustration over the release of four individuals arrested in connection with the incident, including the school’s owner, Kapa Rai.

 While Principal, Madathilparambil Andrew Cherian remains in judicial custody for 11 days, the other four, including hostel wardens Gaurav Gogoi and Dicky Kumar, and teacher Kaushik Chetry, were granted bail within 24 hours of their arrest.

The parents have called for the re-arrest of Rai and stricter legal action against all those responsible. “Keeping the principal in custody is not enough; justice demands accountability,” they said.

The case has been registered in Naharlagun police station under relevant sections. The parents have appealed to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Education Minister PD Sona, and Home Minister Mama Natung to step into the issue and provide justice to their children through a press conference held on Friday.

The incident has stirred up outrage among the people, and several questions have cropped up about safety standards in schools.

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