Ranchi: Police have detained three boys, aged 13 to 15, for allegedly assaulting Father Benedict Barla, principal of St Michael Boys’ Middle School, in Khunti town on Tuesday evening. Khunti SP Rishabh Garg said a fourth minor involved in the case is absconding.Police said the boys, all former students of the school, entered the campus allegedly to commit theft. They attacked Benedict with sharp weapons after unexpectedly finding him in the office. Police seized Rs 85,747 in cash, a knife and several stolen items, including clothes, from the detained minors. Investigators said the accused allegedly carried out the thefts to fund Durga Puja festivities.A case has been registered and a special investigation team formed. The SIT questioned around three dozen people, including Jesuits, relatives and students, and examined CCTV footage.Protests continued in Ranchi and Khunti for the second day. Church members held a candlelight march in Ranchi, while Khunti residents took out a silent march.
