Trivial school feud turns fatal: SSLC student stabbed to death by minors in Kundagol

Hubballi : In a shocking incident that has sent waves of grief and concern across north Karnataka, a 16-year-old SSLC student was brutally stabbed to death by three school-going boys in Kundagol town of Dharwad district on Wednesday evening. The crime, allegedly triggered by a trivial dispute among classmates, has once again highlighted the growing violence among minors and the alarming consequences of unresolved school-level conflicts.

The deceased has been identified as Ningraj Awari (16), a resident of Kundagol and a student of an aided high school in the town. Ningraj was preparing for his SSLC examinations and was described by locals as a quiet student with academic aspirations. However, what began as a minor quarrel at school reportedly escalated into a fatal act of revenge.

According to police sources, Ningraj had an argument with a few classmates over a trivial issue two days prior to the incident. While the matter appeared to have subsided, one of the accused—who studied in the same school as Ningraj—allegedly harboured resentment. The student, along with two of his friends who had dropped out of SSLC, reportedly planned an attack.

On Wednesday evening, the three accused intercepted Ningraj in Kundagol town and assaulted him with a knife. Ningraj sustained multiple stab injuries and collapsed on the spot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead. The brutal nature of the attack has left residents of the town in shock, especially given that all those involved were minors.

Soon after receiving information, Kundagol police rushed to the spot, registered a case of murder, and took all three accused juveniles into custody. Senior police officials have confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain whether there were deeper motives behind the killing or if any external influence played a role in provoking the crime.

“The preliminary investigation suggests the murder was the result of a school-related dispute. However, we are examining all angles, including the background of the accused and their activities after dropping out of school,” a police official said.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, and civil society groups, who are questioning the lack of counselling, supervision, and conflict-resolution mechanisms in schools. Many have also pointed to the vulnerability of school dropouts and the need for stronger intervention to prevent juveniles from drifting towards crime.

Ningraj’s family is inconsolable, with relatives demanding strict action against those responsible and justice for their son. The tragedy has cast a dark shadow over Kundagol, raising urgent questions about student safety, peer violence, and the social pressures faced by adolescents.

As the investigation continues, the case serves as a grim reminder that unchecked anger and minor disputes, when left unresolved, can lead to irreversible consequences.