June 19, 2026
THIMPHU – Five students from Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School have been suspended after videos of student fights circulated widely on social media, triggering investigations by police and education authorities.
In a press statement, the school said the incidents involved two related cases of student-to-student violence. Disciplinary action was initiated after the incidents were verified on June 14.
According to sources, the first incident occurred on June 8 and involved a junior student who senior students allegedly assaulted. The following day, the student reportedly returned with another senior student and confronted those believed to have been involved in the earlier altercation.
Sources said at least four students were victims across the two incidents, while more than 15 students may have been involved in varying capacities. Three videos circulating online are believed to depict the second incident.
However, the school said the investigation is still ongoing to establish the facts and determine each student’s level of involvement.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the matter involves two related incidents of student-to-student violence. In the first incident, an assault is alleged to have occurred involving two students and another student. The second incident, which occurred subsequently and was recorded, appears to have arisen in response to the first incident and was subsequently shared on social media,” the school stated.
The incidents were not formally reported to authorities. The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) initiated the investigation after the videos emerged online.
The Central Thimphu Police Station is currently investigating the case.
The police contacted the school on June 14 and coordinated with school officials and parents of the students involved on the same day.
The school said students directly involved in the incidents have been suspended as an interim measure while investigations continue.
The school management is also reviewing the conduct of those involved in recording and sharing the videos online.
“The disciplinary process will also examine the conduct of individuals involved in recording and disseminating the video on social media,” the school stated.
Investigation committee formed
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development has formed an investigation committee comprising a parent representative, the Department of Education Programme, the Department of School Education, Thimphu Thromde, and the school.
The committee, which will be chaired by the school, has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the incidents and recommending further action.
Role of The PEMA Secretariat
The PEMA Secretariat said it became involved after the case was referred for psychosocial support.
The Head of The PEMA Secretariat, Dasho Dechen Wangmo, said the referral was made in line with the national protocol for children who come into contact with the law or experience distress.
“The case was referred to PEMA on Monday for psychosocial assistance,” she said. “There appears to be some miscommunication in the media regarding our role. We do not investigate cases.”
She explained that children referred by police receive psychosocial assessments and support services regardless of whether they are victims or alleged perpetrators.
“We provide psychosocial support, prevention, and intervention programmes, and build the capacity of counsellors to handle such cases. Our focus is on the well-being of all children involved,” Dasho Dechen Wangmo said.
Other bullying cases reported
The incidents come as separate allegations of bullying involving students from Loselling Middle Secondary School have also been reported to Thimphu Police.
Last Friday, a parent filed a complaint alleging that their child suffered injuries, including damage to the nose cartilage, after being assaulted by five students.
Another parent reported a separate case involving alleged bullying by the same group of students last year. That matter was reportedly resolved after the students involved provided written assurances that similar behaviour would not be repeated.
The school said it is awaiting the police report and the completion of examinations before deciding on further action.
Several parents expressed concern that responses to incidents involving minors should not diminish the seriousness of the alleged offences.
“Children need proper guidance from parents about what is right and wrong. Being a minor should not mean that repeated actions are overlooked,” a parent said. “Stronger preventive measures are needed to ensure student safety.”
Another parent highlighted the challenges schools and teachers face in addressing student misconduct within existing child protection frameworks.
“Institutions and teachers are also constrained by existing policies by the ministry and The PEMA. A minor thing, and they get involved. Students sometimes take advantage of the restrictions on corporal punishment,” a parent said.
“Being a minor should not mean there is no accountability. Early intervention is important before such behaviour becomes a bigger problem,” another parent said.
According to sources, students involved in the reported cases were warned by the police and the school and made to commit that such incidents would not recur. The group of students are known to be repeated offenders involving three different incidences.
Legal provisions
Under the Penal Code of Bhutan 2004, assault and battery are criminal offences.
Section 156 defines assault as intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently causing another person to fear bodily injury. Section 158 defines battery as the intentional use of physical force against another person.
The Penal Code’s provisions on juvenile delinquency state that children aged 10 years and below cannot be held criminally liable. For juveniles above that age, courts may impose reduced sentences and alternative corrective measures.
The Child Care and Protection Act of Bhutan 2011 also provides protection against violence involving children. Section 215 states that a person commits child battery if they intentionally use physical force against a child or cause a child to be subjected to physical force.