The tragic death of a 12-year-old student at Sainik School, Ruksin has raised concerns about student safety in educational institutions. The young boy, Tadu Haro, a Class 7 student, was found dead on November 1 within the school premises. The family has alleged that he was subjected to severe bullying and harassment by senior students, which may have led to his death.
According to Tadu Haro’s sister, Tadu Lunia, the family was initially informed that her brother had died by suicide. However, accounts from his dormitory mates suggest that he faced physical and mental harassment by a group of senior students on the night of October 31. Lunia, who holds the title of Miss Arunachal 2024, shared the details in a video message on social media, stating that her brother was taken to the Class 10 dormitory late at night while no staff or wardens were present.
The sister alleged that eight students from Class 10 and three from Class 8 entered the Class 7 dormitory after 11 p.m., forcing the junior students to cover their heads and then taking her brother away. Dorm mates reported that he was allegedly harassed throughout the night and was publicly accused of theft over a missing book. The seniors reportedly threatened to humiliate him during the morning assembly and even to make videos of him that could go viral. 
Lunia said that CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed her brother moving anxiously around 5:45 a.m. before entering a classroom, where he reportedly wrote a final note expressing his distress. “His last words were, ‘Seniors tortured me a lot, and I don’t know what I will do now,’” she said. She added that the delay in the post-mortem report and the slow progress in the investigation had caused the family additional pain.
“We know the names of those involved,” Lunia said, urging authorities and the public to ensure justice. “I fear external interference may affect the case, and I want to make sure no other family goes through this,” she added. She also expressed deep grief over the fact that her brother’s public profile may have made him a target for bullying.
Police have confirmed that eight students have been detained and presented before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in Pasighat. The board has placed the students under the custody of the school vice-principal for seven days, with guardians required to provide undertakings as per the Juvenile Justice Rules. Authorities stated that the case, initially registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, was reclassified following an additional FIR lodged by the victim’s father, alleging ragging by senior students.
Investigators have assured the family and the public that a thorough probe is underway to determine the circumstances leading to Tadu Haro’s death. Meanwhile, his sister continues to appeal for support to ensure accountability and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
