Class 12 girl dies after self-immolation at East Delhi school; police probe
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
An approximately 18-year-old Class 12 student died on Saturday, 24 October 2026, after allegedly pouring an inflammable substance on herself and setting herself on fire at Sarvodaya Bal/Balika Vidyalaya in the Krishna Nagar area of East Delhi's Shahdara district, officials confirmed. The incident has triggered a formal police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student's death.
What Happened at the School
According to officials, a Police Control Room (PCR) call reporting a fire incident was received from the school premises. Police personnel from PS Krishna Nagar responded promptly and found the student in a burnt condition behind the school guard room. A fire brigade team was also deployed at the scene.
The incident reportedly triggered panic among teachers and students present on the premises at the time.
Suspicious Items Recovered
Officials stated that certain materials were recovered during the initial proceedings — both from the spot and from the deceased student's school bag. The nature of these items has not yet been officially confirmed, and investigators are examining them as part of the ongoing enquiry. Police have been careful not to detail the recovered materials pending forensic and investigative review.
Crime Team Called In
A Delhi Police Crime Team was called to the school to inspect the scene, examine the physical evidence, and reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the incident. 'The circumstances leading to the incident are being examined, and further enquiry is in progress,' police said in an official statement.
Investigation Ongoing
As of Saturday evening, the cause and circumstances behind the student's alleged act remain under investigation. Officials have not confirmed any motive, nor have they formally categorised the nature of the suspicious items recovered. Further details are expected to emerge as the enquiry progresses.