Itanagar: Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu has expressed shock and grief over the tragic fire incident at St Alphonsa School, Model Village, which claimed the lives of three students and left two others critically injured.
On Saturday, three students were killed and three others sustained serious injuries when the overhead water tank collapsed during school hours.
The students were preparing for their examinations and revising near the tank, when the incident happened.
"The administration has initiated a thorough investigation, and those responsible will be held accountable," Khandu wrote on social media platform X.
Offering condolences to the bereaved families, the chief minister wrote, "We are committed to ensuring justice and extending all possible support. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength to the grieving families in this difficult time."
The police have detained six individuals, including the school principal, owner, and four wardens, for questioning. Out of the detainees, five have been arrested in connection with the case.
The arrested individuals are Shaji Cherian (51), the principal of the school and a native of Kalpetta, Kerala, Gaurav Gogoi (24) a warden from Tinsukia, Assam and Dicky Kumar Das (24) another warden from Tinsukia, Assam.
Kaushik Chetry (22), a teacher from Dibrugarh, Assam and Kapa Rai (46), the owner of St Alphonsa School and native of Upper Subansiri district have also been arrested.
Police released a lady warden, after recording her statement, as her involvement was not found in the incident. Police, however, directed her to join the ongoing investigation.