Police secured the juvenile following a 36-hour search operation after the incident that left one student dead and seven others injured.
The Ballari Police have traced and taken into custody the juvenile accused in the rampage at a hostel attached to Gurukul International School in Ballari on Saturday night, which resulted in the death of a student and injuries to seven others.
He was located after an extensive 36-hour search operation.
Addressing a joint press conference in Ballari on Monday, Inspector-General of Police (Ballari Range) P. S. Harsha and Superintendent of Police Suman D. Pennekar said several police teams searched across the city before tracing the boy in the Gangappa Jina area of Ballari based on reliable information.
After tracking his movements through CCTV footage, a police team located him and brought him back for questioning.
Officials said that during the operation, teams analysed footage from nearly 7,500 CCTV cameras installed across the city and activated intelligence networks, which ultimately helped in securing the minor accused.
As per law
Dr. Harsha stated that since the case involves a juvenile in conflict with the law, the investigation will follow procedures laid down under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
He also urged the media not to disclose the identities of the accused or the injured students, as they are all minors.
The boy will be produced before the concerned authorities after undergoing medical evaluation and counselling.
Investigators are also questioning him to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the attack.
Apart from the police, the investigation team will include a general physician, a clinical psychologist, a psychiatrist and a counsellor from the District Child Protection Unit.
Officials said the case will be handled strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
The investigation will examine all possible angles related to the incident and will also look into the role of the school, if any.
A requisition has been sent to the Department of School Education seeking a detailed inspection of the institution to check for any irregularities.
Larger questions
“More than just a case, the incident has raised broader concerns about parenting, the upbringing of children, and the responsibility of educational institutions in providing a supportive environment,” Dr. Harsha said.
Search operation
Ms. Pennekar said police teams searched public places, isolated areas across the district, and roads connecting neighbouring States during the operation.
Teams also checked pilgrimage routes used by devotees travelling to Srisailam Temple and Mantralayam Temple in Andhra Pradesh before finally securing the juvenile.