Gurugram, 10 July : In a shocking incident in Haryana, two Class 12 students allegedly murdered their school principal after a dispute over their hairstyle. The incident occurred at a private school in the Gurgaon district, shaking the community and reigniting conversations about student discipline, school safety, and mental health.

According to police sources, the principal had recently reprimanded the students for their unkempt appearance and directed them to get a haircut before returning to school. The seemingly routine disciplinary action took a violent turn when the students, reportedly angered by the humiliation, returned and fatally attacked the principal.

The principal, who was in his office at the time of the assault, sustained serious injuries. Despite efforts to rush him to a hospital, he succumbed to his wounds. Staff members and other students were present in the building during the incident, but no other injuries were reported.

What makes the case particularly complex is the age of the accused. Both students are minors, and under Indian law, this means they fall under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Justice Act. Police have confirmed that the students have been identified but have not yet been taken into custody.

“Preliminary investigation suggests this was a premeditated act, driven by resentment and rage. We are treating the matter with utmost seriousness,” said a senior police officer involved in the case. “Appropriate procedures under the Juvenile Justice Act will be followed once the students are apprehended.”

The school has temporarily shut down operations and issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and shock over the incident. "We are devastated by the loss of our respected principal, who was dedicated to the welfare and discipline of our students. We urge the media and public to allow us time to process this tragedy,” the school said.

Parents and community members gathered outside the school, some demanding strict action and questioning how the situation escalated so severely. “Discipline is part of school life, but what we are seeing is a total breakdown of respect and values,” said one parent.

Child psychologists and education experts have weighed in, pointing to rising stress levels among teenagers, poor conflict-resolution skills, and a lack of emotional support in schools. "Discipline without empathy can backfire, especially when adolescents are already dealing with peer pressure, academic expectations, and identity struggles," said Dr. Manju Verma, a psychologist based in Delhi.

The case has been handed over to a juvenile justice board, which will decide whether the students should be tried as minors or adults, a legal provision available under Indian law in cases involving heinous crimes.

As the investigation unfolds, many are left grappling with difficult questions: What went wrong? Could this have been prevented? And most importantly, how can schools foster discipline while also nurturing emotional well-being?

The tragic death of the principal stands as a grim reminder that the classroom, once a place of learning and safety, is not immune to the deeper societal issues that are often left unaddressed.