Published Jul 09, 2026 | 8:54 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 09, 2026 | 8:54 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: A PT teacher at Sterling English Residential School, Devanahalli, has been arrested on murder charges after a 12-year-old student’s death, with the family alleging he was assaulted during a morning exercise session.
Bengaluru Police have registered a murder case against the physical training (PT) teacher of Sterling English Residential School in Devanahalli and arrested him, days after a 12-year-old student died following a morning exercise session at the school.
The teacher was taken into custody after the family of the deceased student, Gurukiran, filed a complaint accusing him of assault, police said.
The boy’s family has rejected the school’s account of his death. According to a report by the Free Press Journal, the family alleged that Gurukiran was assaulted by the PT teacher specifically, that he was struck on the back of the neck with an iron rod, and that this happened twice before he collapsed.
A classmate of Gurukiran’s reportedly told investigators that the boy was beaten after he went to the toilet, just before the exercise session began. The classmate separately alleged, according to police sources, that the PT teacher regularly hit students with sticks and rods over minor issues.
Acting on the family’s complaint, police have registered a case of murder against the teacher, who remains in custody as the investigation continues, according to police.
The school authorities earlier alleged that Gurukiran collapsed while jogging on the campus early in the morning.
However, the boy’s family rejected the school’s account and alleged that he was physically assaulted by teachers using iron rods and sticks that contributed to his death. His father also told the reporters that he was suspecting foul play, and added that the school’s explanation didn’t match what he found when he arrived.
A relative went further, alleging that CCTV cameras at the school had been deliberately disabled and claiming that other students had said corporal punishment was common at the school.
The school informed his parents around 6 am that he had fallen ill and been taken to a hospital. By the time the family reached the hospital, the boy had died. A close relative, Yashasvini, alleged that the family was initially not allowed to see the body when they arrived. Later, they learnt that school staff had taken him to a different hospital.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
