Search for minor accused in Ballari hostel murder case intensifies

Ballari: Police have launched a massive search operation to locate the minor accused in the murder of a boy and the injury of seven others at a residential school hostel in Ballari late Saturday night. Several police teams have been formed and deployed to search possible hideouts and locations where the boy, now a fugitive from the law, may have taken refuge after the attack.

Teams have also been sent to neighboring states to determine if he has traveled outside the state, including by freight trains or other modes of transport. Ballari Range Inspector General of Police Dr. P.S. Harsha held a review meeting late Sunday night with Superintendent of Police Dr. Suman D. Pennekar and Ballari’s Additional Superintendent of Police. During the meeting, officials analyzed every lead and input gathered so far and issued specific instructions to teams to intensify the search. Police have also been asked to rely on scientific methods of investigation to track the minor’s movements and apprehend him for questioning.

The IGP said, “All efforts are being made on a war footing, and we hope to make progress in finding him soon.” In the incident, which occurred inside the hostel of a residential school in the city, a student allegedly attacked others with a sharp-edged weapon on Saturday night. One student died in the attack, while seven others, including the hostel warden, were injured. The deceased student hails from Kurnool district in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The injured were taken to hospital and are undergoing treatment.