On 24/5, the Investigation Police Agency of Lam Dong Provincial Police announced the indictment of an 8th grade male student at Nguyen Du Secondary School in Di Linh commune on charges of property extortion.

Investigation agency working with the group of students. Anh: Cong an Lam Dong

According to the investigation, Minh (a changed name) was identified as leading a group of 13 students who repeatedly assaulted one male student inside classrooms and on school grounds. Authorities stated the victim endured 7-8 assaults.

Beyond the assaults, Minh was also accused of threatening and forcing this male student and one other student to pay "protection money" daily, ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 VND, to buy snacks.

The victim's mother stated her son repeatedly recounted being forced by the group to give them money, sometimes having to collect scrap to get the money. He was also regularly beaten and had previously reported it to his homeroom teacher.

According to the mother, on one occasion, her son was hit with a helmet by another student in front of a teacher.

On 16/5, the male student was discovered by relatives attempting self-harm at home. He was rushed to a hospital in TP HCM for emergency treatment, in critical condition and is currently on a ventilator.

The investigation agency is currently consolidating the case file to process the involved students for intentional infliction of injury.

Hoai Thanh - Truong Ha