Ryan International murder: Class XI student confesses to killing Pradyuman, say sources

NEW DELHI: In a major twist in the Ryan International murder case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Class XI student from the same school for the murder of seven-year-old Pradyuman Thakur. The student has reportedly confessed to the crime, sources told Zee Media. 

"They (CBI) arrested my son last night. My son has not committed the crime. He informed gardener and teachers," said the father of the arrested student.

He further alleged that the CBI tried to force them to sign the confession documents.

"There was no spot of blood on my child's clothes. He was giving the exam," said the father.

The 16-year-old was reportedly the first person to inform about Pradyuman's body in the bathroom. He's likely to be presented in front of juvenile justice board on Wednesday, said sources.

The CBI picked up the Class XI student from Sohna Road at around 11 pm on Tuesday and questioned him for the entire day. 

The move came a day after the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Ryan International Group CEO Ryan Pinto, and his parents, founding chairman Augustine Pinto and managing director Grace Pinto.

On September 8, Class II student Pradyuman was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside the toilet of the school, his throat slit. The police arrested bus conductor Ashok Kumar in connection with the case.

Kumar later confessed to the crime but his family and friends maintained that he was being framed.

The murder sparked nation-wide outrage with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introducing new school safety guidelines. The Board said onus for safety and security of children in school campus shall solely lie upon the school authorities.