Patna was gripped by anger and chaos on August 29 after a Class 5 girl died of severe burn injuries sustained inside a government-run school, with her family alleging murder and locals erupting in violent protests.

The girl, who had reportedly been absent from school for nearly a week, was discovered engulfed in flames inside the school’s bathroom around 10 am, even as the morning assembly was underway. According to officials, it was the school’s cook who first spotted the fire and raised an alarm. Teachers and staff rushed the child to Patna Medical College and Hospital, but she succumbed later in the day.

Forensic teams have collected samples from the site, while investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to retrace the child’s final movements. “It is not yet clear whether the fire was self-inflicted or involved external elements. The principal, staff and others are being questioned,” a senior police officer said.

The victim’s family — her father, a vegetable vendor, and her mother, a midwife — have accused the school staff of a planned attack. “The burns could not have been self-inflicted. This is murder,” the grieving parents alleged. Acting on their complaint, police have registered a case of murder.

As the news spread, enraged locals stormed the school premises, vandalised property, set tyres ablaze and blocked nearby roads. The situation spiralled into clashes when police attempted to clear the blockade, with stone-pelting leaving a constable injured. Senior officials, including City SP (Central) Diksha, rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.

The investigation now hinges on forensic reports, witness testimonies and CCTV evidence as authorities attempt to piece together how the child moved from the assembly hall to the bathroom where she was found. With emotions running high and tensions simmering, the incident has cast a dark shadow over Patna, sparking calls for swift justice and accountability.