Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 11 : Three class six students from Shimla's prestigious Bishop Cotton School (BCS), who were kidnapped on Sunday during a town outing, were rescued within hours after swift police action. The incident has prompted the school to announce a complete review and tightening of its security protocols.
Addressing a joint press conference in Shimla on Monday, Congress MLA and former BCS Board member Harish Janartha and Headmaster Mathew P John detailed the events and the steps being taken to ensure student safety.
According to Janartha, the three boys were approached just outside the school gate near the Police Vigilance Headquarters by a man claiming to be an "old boy" of the school.
"He told them he was a former student and could drop them ahead. The boys got into his vehicle, and he drove them elsewhere. When they did not return by 5 p.m. for roll call, they were marked absent, and the school immediately informed the police. I thank the police for acting immediately and tracing the vehicle to Theog Chowk," Janartha said.
Janartha said he remained in constant touch with the headmaster, school administrators, and police, and kept the parents updated.
"I met the boys after they were rescued. They are healthy and happy. This incident has never happened in the school's 160-170-year history. We will ensure decisions are taken so that such an incident never happens again," he said.
He added that preliminary information indicated the accused might have had financial problems and a "criminal mind," and that weapons and other items were recovered from him.
"This could have been ransom-related. Fortunately, the police acted so fast that nothing untoward happened. Had there been any delay, given today's circumstances, the outcome could have been negative," Janartha said, thanking the Chief Minister, DGP, SP, and all officials involved.
Janartha also reassured parents, including those abroad, that the children are safe and stressed that security will be increased. The new protocol will require younger students to always be accompanied by teachers, while older groups will have stricter supervision and restricted movement.
He added that the review will also cover when students leave and return from holidays, and the procedures for granting outing passes.
The MLA said the boys were not targeted specifically but may have been chosen randomly. Around 400 students, including 10 foreign nationals, are enrolled in BCS. Outings are a regular part of the schedule, with four to five such events each year, and large groups, sometimes over 300 students, going into town.
Police have taken the suspect into custody, and an investigation is underway to determine motive and intent.
After this incident, the School Security Policy is under review. Headmaster Mathew P. John confirmed that the school has already begun drafting a new security protocol covering all outings, including night-outs and holidays.
"We have decided that senior students will not be allowed to go out without adult supervision. Himachal Pradesh is one of the safest states in the country, but this incident has made us realise we must completely review and revise our protocols. We will be getting help from the police to finalise this," Mathew said.