Jharkhand School Principal Attack: The principal of a missionary school in Jharkhand’s Khunti district was allegedly attacked by three masked men on Tuesday night. Father Benedict Barla, also known as Benny, was found unconscious with serious head injuries on Wednesday morning, a church official said.
Barla is the principal of St Michael School. He was found bleeding on the school premises and was taken to Khunti Sadar Hospital for treatment. He was later shifted to Pulse Hospital in Ranchi for further medical care.
CCTV Shows Three Masked Men Entering School
Bisu Benjamin, Vicar General of the Koti Diocese, told The Indian Express that CCTV footage showed three masked men entering the school premises on a bike at around 9 pm on Tuesday.
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“From the CCTV footage, it appears that three people wearing masks entered on a bike. It seems they may have entered the office and attacked the principal when he came across them. They appear to have used whatever they could find there to hit him,” Benjamin said.
He also said the school was closed on Tuesday because of a festival. The person who usually stayed with Barla had gone to attend his mother’s funeral and returned early Wednesday morning after the burial.
Benjamin said the attackers may have known that the principal was alone at the school. But he refused to guess who was behind the attack or why it happened.
“We do not want to speculate about who could be behind this. We will wait for the administration and police to investigate. We do not want rumours to spread and create divisions in society,” Benjamin said.
Principal Shifted to Ranchi Hospital, Police Begin Probe
Benjamin said Barla was diabetic and doctors were trying to stabilise his condition before deciding whether surgery was needed.
Khunti Superintendent of Police Rishav Garg said the police received information about the attack at around 9 am on Wednesday. Barla was first treated at Khunti Sadar Hospital and was later referred to a bigger medical centre. Police personnel were accompanying him, the SP said.
“Police are examining CCTV footage and other available evidence to identify the attacker,” he said, adding that efforts were being made to catch those responsible.
When asked about the weapon used in the attack, Garg said the police didn’t have clear information yet. The weapon could be confirmed after the formal injury report was received. Barla’s condition was stable at the time of the statement.
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Adivasi Groups and Christian Organisations Hold Protest
Khunti MP and several other people visited the hospital on Wednesday to ask about Barla’s health. Meanwhile Adivasi groups and Christian organisations held a protest at Bhagat Singh Chowk in Khunti. The police are investigating the case and checking the available evidence to find those behind the attack.
The attackers’ identities and the reason for the attack haven’t been confirmed. Church officials have also asked people not to spread rumours while the police investigation is still underway.
