The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Police said a 13-year-old student who allegedly stabbed a classmate with a pocket knife at a school in Wangdue will be referred for diversion probation, with the students involved having undergone counselling following the incident.
Police said the investigation found no indication that the incident stemmed from a grudge between the students.
“The students were playing together to take a break from their classes and refresh their minds,” police said.
According to police, the injury sustained by the victim was non-grievous, with the cut on the back measuring about one centimeter.
Police said the students involved had undergone counselling, and that there was no identified risk of further repercussions. Police are also in contact with the school’s teachers and the parents of the students involved.
Since the alleged suspect is a 13-year-old, police said the child would be referred for diversion probation.
Under the Child Care and Protection Act of Bhutan 2011, diversion allows a child in conflict with the law to be dealt with through alternative measures instead of court proceedings, provided the alleged offence is not of a serious nature.
The Act provides for measures such as an apology, reparation for harm caused, regular school attendance, reporting to a probation officer, participation in community-based programmes and supervision by an appropriate person. The measures depend on the circumstances of the case and the conditions agreed upon.
The Act also provides for a probation officer to monitor the child’s compliance with the diversion agreement. If the child fails to meet the agreed conditions, the court may consider changing the conditions unless the police officer or prosecutor decides to proceed with prosecution.
From the administrative side, the school, in discussion with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), has relocated the student to avoid disrupting the child’s education.
Following the incident, a school authority told The Bhutanese that students had been briefed on the matter and that class teachers would monitor students to ensure they do not carry weapons to school.
Police said they remain in contact with the school and the parents as the case is addressed.
