Jamshedpur, March 12: An internal inquiry into Harshdeep Singh Kalsi’s death, conducted by a lawyer, found the principal and games teacher of DAV Public School, Bistupur, out of the purview of criminal negligence.

This is in sharp contrast to the police inquiry, conducted under the supervision of deputy superintendent of police Dinesh Oraon, that found school principal Papiya Mukherjee and games teacher Kavita Swain responsible for negligence that resulted in Harshdeep’s death.

The school had appointed Harjit Singh, a city-based lawyer, to conduct an internal probe into the incident that resulted in Harshdeep’s death on its premises on February 8.

“The action of the principal and games teacher on the day of the incident was not intentional. They may have reacted late when Harshdeep suddenly collapsed and subsequently died on his way to hospital but they are in no way responsible for showing negligence,” school sources said.

At most, a case under IPC Section 304 (A) (negligence with no criminal intent) could be enforced against the authorities. A case under this section is bailable, sources said, adding serious efforts were being made to reach a compromise with the bereaved family.

Sources , who did not want to be quoted, said that in his findings counsel Singh cited several rulings of the Supreme Court in matters regarding cases of similar nature. Singh has talked to several people, including some students. He, however, could not meet the three students, who have been named accused in the FIR lodged by Harshdeep’s father Paramjeet Singh.

Meanwhile, the police are yet to initiate any action against Mukherjee and Swain even though Oraon submitted his probe report to the superintendent of police (SP) about ten days ago. SP Naveen Kumar Singh said he was yet to go through the police report as he was busy with the on-going police recruitment.

“But action would be taken against authorities based on the report. But I have to read it before initiating any action against the DAV authorities,” Singh added.

Sources said it is still unclear what action the police would take. against the DAV authorities. The next step of the police will be based on what sections are enforced against the authorities. School authorities could be in trouble if the police enforce IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).

Such a case is non-bailable and carries a punishment of life imprisonment or 10 years’ jail.