The Sapphire International School on Monday reopened as the school management decided to resume classes from Monday after a ten-day break following the harrowing murder of Standard VII student Vinay Mahto.
On the day of the Statewide bandh called by Maoists, attendance remained good on the first day after the entire turn of events, stated school authorities. “Attendance was good today. More than 350 of our students turned up, 100 of them were boarders and rest were day scholars. Some students living outside Ranchi were not able to reach us,” informed a school administrative official. He further added, “We were apprehensive of resuming classes from today (on Monday) till the last minute due to the two-day Maoist bandh starting today, but we went ahead with the decision to resume classes. Students who could not make it in time messaged us, stating that they will be back soon. Around 80 per cent of our hostellers have returned already. With examinations round the corner, we expect that the full strength will return in a day or two.”
Before reopening the school, its administration made some major changes to the security arrangements within the school, meant to ensure a fear-free environment to the children. Family members of Vinay and villagers from Chanda Ghashi have planned to lay siege to Sapphire on Tuesday with demands to initiate a high-level investigation in the matter. Parents of the unfortunate victim have already made clear that they will not send their two sons back to the school.
“Chairman of the school, Rohit Sahu, has already talked to Vinay’s parents over phone, expressing his desire to meet them. We will try to convince them to send their wards back to the school,” stated a school official. Vinay’s father Manbahal Mahto was unavailable for commenting on the matter.