A class nine boy in a Karnataka school hostel went on a rampage with an iron rod on Saturday night, killing one and injuring about 8 others.
The teen lived at a Gurukula International School hostel in Ballari.
The student who died was from Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayanagar. Two students are in critical conditions and six students are undergoing treatment.
A female student was also among those who were injured.
The boy also attacked the hostel warden, who tried to intervene, and a driver, before running away from the premises.
He reportedly used an iron rod and a sharp weapon.
The incident occurred at around 10:15 pm.
Police said that the boy may have assaulted the students due to a minor dispute; the exact motive is still under investigation.
Ballari Superintendent of Police, Suman D. Pennekar, told TNIE that the case will be handled under the Juvenile Justice Act as the accused is a minor.
the SP said, "The perpetrator has escaped and is at large. We are trying to arrest him to find out more details."
Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Ballari Range, P S Harsha, said that crime officers and a forensic team were rushed to the spot to collect evidence.
Harsha told PTI, "This case will be considered under the law as one involving a juvenile who is in conflict with the law. So, the investigation should be done sensitively under the Juvenile Justice Act, keeping in mind the safeguards available for the accused. More information cannot be shared."
The victim's parents have alleged that the accused student may have been addicted to drugs.
An FIR has been filed under the appropriate sections against the accused and the educational institutions