Three Juveniles Detained in Attack on Khunti School Principal; Police Hunt for Fourth Accused

Jharkhand Police have detained three juveniles in connection with the attempted murder of Father Benedict Barla, principal of RC Boys Middle School associated with St Michael's Church in Khunti. A fourth suspect remains absconding, officials said on Friday.

Khunti Superintendent of Police Rishabh Garg said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to crack the case using CCTV footage, technical evidence and information obtained during questioning.

The three detained juveniles are aged 13, 14 and 15. All four suspects are former students of the school and had previously lived in its hostel, police said. They had passed Class 7 from the same institution.

According to the police investigation, the four allegedly entered the school premises at around 8.30 p.m. on October 20 to steal money, intending to use it to visit a local fair.

Their plan took a violent turn when they encountered Father Barla, who arrived unexpectedly. One of the juveniles allegedly struck the principal on the forehead and temple with a small hoe-like weapon to prevent him from exposing the theft.

After Father Barla collapsed, the accused allegedly stole items from the school office and fled. The incident lasted approximately 30 minutes, according to police.

The principal was found unconscious and seriously injured on the school campus on the morning of October 21. He was subsequently taken to a hospital in Ranchi, where he remains under treatment.

Police received information about the incident at around 8.45 a.m. on October 21 and launched an investigation. Officers examined CCTV footage from the surrounding area and analysed mobile tower data to identify those involved.

The investigation led police to a suspicious mobile number, which helped them trace the first suspect. Questioning subsequently revealed the alleged involvement of two other juveniles.

Acting on the suspects' disclosures, police recovered Rs 85,747 in cash, mobile phones and several items purchased with the stolen money. Some of the cash and mobile phones had been buried in a forest area, while the remaining money had been concealed at different locations.

Police said the accused had spent part of the stolen money on purchases made online and in local markets. The identity and age of the fourth suspect are yet to be established following an arrest.

The attack triggered widespread outrage in Khunti, with members of the Christian community and local residents demanding strict action against those responsible.

On Friday, protesters held a silent march in the district to seek justice for Father Barla. The agitation also included a road blockade in the area.

The police investigation is continuing as authorities search for the fourth suspect and establish the full sequence of events surrounding the attack.