Hans News Service Tirupati

A bizarre belief reportedly led two Class VIII students at a residential school in Annamayya district to allegedly make a serious attempt on the life of their hostel-mate, after they came to believe that the death of a student would result in the school being declared a holiday.

The incident was reported from a residential school at Gyarampalle village in Kambhamvaripalle mandal. The two boys, who were studying in Class VIII and residing in the hostel, allegedly targeted another student sharing their room.

According to officials, the incident took place around a week ago when the victim was asleep. The two students allegedly covered his face with a pillow and strangled him.

The boy, however, managed to free himself from their grip and survived the attack.

The matter reportedly remained undisclosed initially, with teachers allegedly keeping it confidential. The incident came to the attention of education authorities later, following which Mandal Education Officer (MEO) Reddy Basha visited the school on Wednesday and conducted an inquiry.

The MEO also interacted with the families and parents of the students involved as part of the investigation. During the inquiry, the two boys reportedly claimed that a student had died at the same institution about two years ago, following which the school had been given a holiday. Officials said the students appeared to have formed the belief that another student’s death would similarly lead to the declaration of a holiday. Acting on that belief, they allegedly attempted to kill their classmate.

Following the inquiry, Transfer Certificates (TCs) were issued to both students and they were sent away from the school, the MEO said. The matter has also been brought to the notice of senior authorities. Meanwhile, Annamayya Superintendent of Police Dheeraj Kunubilli said police were conducting an inquiry into the incident. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and the events that led to the students targeting their hostel-mate.