South Kolkata school attack: Probe finds accused allegedly attacked same student twice earlier

The police investigation into the alleged knife attack at a school in South Kolkata has revealed that the accused student had allegedly targeted the same classmate on two previous occasions, according to police sources.

The latest incident took place on September 30, when a student allegedly attacked his classmate with a knife inside the school classroom. The victim suffered injuries to his neck and fingers and was subsequently taken to a hospital, where he underwent surgery.

According to the police, the injured student is autistic and generally prefers to keep to himself. Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged repeated attacks and whether there was any specific reason behind the accused allegedly targeting the student.

Two alleged earlier attacks

Police sources said the latest incident was allegedly not the first confrontation between the two students.

One day before the knife attack, on September 29, the accused allegedly tried to choke the same student's neck. The situation was reportedly brought under control after other students intervened and pushed the accused away.

Police are also investigating an earlier incident that allegedly took place around three months ago. According to the preliminary findings, the accused had allegedly attacked the same student with another sharp, razor-like object.

However, the earlier incident did not result in a formal complaint. According to the report, the two families reached an understanding at the time and the matter was not officially reported to the school authorities.

Investigators are now trying to determine whether these earlier incidents were connected to the latest attack.

What happened inside the classroom

According to police, the latest incident occurred at around 12.29 pm on September 30.

The accused student was reportedly sitting on the front bench of the classroom while the victim and some other classmates were speaking to a teacher.

When the victim moved towards the accused student's bench after being instructed by the teacher, the accused allegedly pulled out a knife from his school bag and suddenly attacked him.

The victim reportedly tried to defend himself from the attack. During the struggle, one of his fingers was severely injured and he also sustained an injury near his neck.

After the alleged attack, the accused student reportedly fled from the classroom.

The injured student was initially taken to the school infirmary. He was subsequently shifted to a hospital for further treatment. His family later said that he had to undergo surgery because of the injuries.

Police seek CCTV footage

Following the incident, the school counselled the accused student and later lodged a complaint with the police.

Police have now asked the school management to provide CCTV footage covering the incident. The footage is expected to help investigators establish exactly what happened inside the classroom and examine whether there is evidence relating to the two earlier alleged incidents.

A police official said investigators would first examine the CCTV footage to understand the sequence of events and determine what led to the attack.

The local police station also issued a notice to the school management on Thursday, asking it to hand over the relevant CCTV recordings as well as the knife allegedly used in the incident.

Investigation into weapon inside school

Another important part of the investigation is how the accused minor allegedly managed to bring a knife into the school.

Police are examining the school's security arrangements and the circumstances under which the weapon entered the premises.

Investigators are also looking into the reported delay in informing the police. According to the report, questions have been raised over why the school management allegedly contacted the police nearly four hours after the incident.

The police have recorded the statement of the injured student and are collecting relevant documents from the family of the accused student.

Investigators are also examining whether the accused had any previous grievance or dispute with the victim that could have contributed to the alleged attacks.

Juvenile Justice Board process

Since the accused is a minor, the case will proceed according to the applicable juvenile justice process.

Police said the accused student will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. Further action will be taken according to the board's directions and the findings of the investigation.

The authorities are continuing to collect evidence, including CCTV footage, statements and other relevant documents, before determining the next course of legal action.

The school has also expressed concern about the physical and emotional well-being of the students affected by the incident, including those who witnessed the alleged attack.

In a statement issued after the incident, the school said it was concerned about the physical and emotional well-being of everyone affected, particularly the children who witnessed or were otherwise impacted by the incident. The school also said it would take necessary steps to address the emotional and psychological impact of the incident.

The police investigation is continuing, with the focus currently on reconstructing the sequence of events, examining the alleged earlier attacks and determining how the weapon was brought into the school.