A 15-year-old boy has reportedly succumbed to fatal injuries inflicted by sticks, with his family alleging that the attack occurred when he resisted an attempt to molest his cousin, according to police statements on Tuesday.

Following the tragic incident in the Kheri police station area on Monday, local residents mobilized in protest. The situation escalated, and additional police forces were deployed as the incident seemed to take on communal undertones.

Ramit Sharma, the Police Commissioner, confirmed that five individuals, including the village head Yusuf and student Mohsin, have been apprehended. Moreover, the Station House Officer Naveen Kumar Singh and a police post in-charge have been suspended in connection with the incident.

Initially, the SHO Singh stated that the family’s allegations suggested that a group of youths attacked the 10th-grade student as he tried to protect his cousin from molestation while they were returning from school. The boy was transported to a hospital in critical condition and was subsequently declared deceased.

However, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Yamuna Nagar) Santosh Kumar Meena presented a different account, suggesting that a confrontation between children occurred at the school but was managed by the teachers. A subsequent altercation took place after they left the school premises.

A case was registered based on the family’s complaint, naming Yusuf and Mohsin in the First Information Report (FIR).

In response to the incident, local residents briefly obstructed a road before being dispersed by the authorities. A significant police presence has been maintained as a preventive measure to ensure law and order in the region.

The victim’s body has been sent for autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.

Source: PTI

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