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Violent Protests Erupt in China Over Death of Teenager Amid Cover-Up Allegations
Violent protests broke out in the northwestern region of Shaanxi after the death of a teenage boy, sparking accusations of a cover-up by local authorities. Videos verified by CNN show dozens of protesters clashing with riot police outside the Pucheng Vocational Technical School, where the incident occurred. Protesters are seen throwing batons and other objects at officers, while some attempt to break through barricades, escalating the confrontation.
One video shows a protester hurling a fire extinguisher at a door, shattering its glass. In response, police are seen aggressively tackling and beating demonstrators, some of whom are thrown to the ground. The protests have drawn significant attention, partly due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and the lack of transparency from authorities.
The incident that sparked the unrest was the death of a student, identified only by his surname Dang, who was in his third year at the vocational school. According to local authorities, Dang’s death on January 2 was a result of an accident, not foul play. However, allegations of a cover-up have gained traction on social media, fueling anger among the public.
Authorities in Pucheng claim that Dang had a verbal and physical altercation with a first-year student named Guo over a dormitory disturbance. The situation was allegedly resolved by a school official. Later that night, around 3 a.m., another student discovered a wooden stool beneath a balcony window in Dang’s dormitory. Authorities assert that Dang fell from the window after the metal mesh screen had been removed.
However, the human rights group, Human Rights in China, has raised doubts about the official explanation. The group reported “suspicious circumstances” surrounding Dang’s death, including witness statements suggesting signs of a struggle in the dormitory. Some witnesses believe Dang may have been “pushed from the roof.” Furthermore, Dang’s family has rejected the official account, claiming that photos from his phone were deleted before they could be examined.
This skepticism has gained momentum online, where the tragedy has sparked widespread discussions on social media. The protests began on Monday and are believed to have continued through the week, although it remains unclear whether the unrest has subsided.
The violent response to the protests highlights ongoing tensions in China regarding government transparency and accountability, particularly following the “White Paper” protests in 2022, which were sparked by dissatisfaction with Beijing’s strict Covid-19 policies. Authorities have consistently shown sensitivity to public dissent, especially when it threatens to escalate into larger movements.
As the situation develops, the authorities face increasing pressure to provide a clear and transparent investigation into Dang’s death.
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Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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