Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Aug 27: A Class 5 girl allegedly set herself on fire inside the toilet of Kanya Madhya Vidyalaya Amaltola in the Chitkohra area of Patna on Wednesday, leaving her critically injured.

According to eyewitnesses, smoke was seen rising from the toilet shortly after the student entered. Teachers and staff rushed to the spot and found her collapsed. She was immediately rescued and taken to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where doctors said her condition is critical.

As news spread, the girl’s family members rushed to the school and held its administration responsible for negligence. The situation turned tense as agitated relatives and locals vandalised the staff room and attempted to scuffle with police personnel.

Patna Central SP Diksha confirmed the incident, stating that the victim is undergoing treatment at PMCH. “We are recording statements of the school staff and the family to ascertain the circumstances. The victim is not in a position to give her statement at present,” she said.

Police teams have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage of the school premises. Officers are also questioning the girl’s classmates to understand her mental state before the incident.

A senior police officer said investigators are trying to determine how the student accessed inflammable material inside the school toilet. Police are probing the matter from multiple angles, including the possibility of self-infliction or foul play.

The incident has raised serious concerns over safety arrangements in schools across the city.