In Syktyvkar, a ninth-grade student restrained a seventh-grader as a punishment, placing him in handcuffs attached to a horizontal bar. The incident stemmed from a rumor that the younger student had stolen an electronic cigarette. The information about what happened comes from a Telegram channel associated with Shot, which reported the events in detail.
According to witnesses, a group of teenagers at the Stroitel ski base organized a makeshift “trial” to decide whether a 13-year-old boy deserved punishment for allegedly taking the device. One 18-year-old participant claimed ownership of the e-cigarette and believed that the younger student should face consequences for the supposed theft. The group is said to have executed their judgment by first physically assaulting the younger boy and then tethering him to the metal bar with handcuffs, effectively confining him at the location.
The situation drew the attention of bystanders who happened to pass by the area. Concerned observers intervened, and they helped to rescue the restrained child from the improvised punishment setup. Their timely action prevented further harm and brought public attention to the incident.
Law enforcement officers responded promptly after the restraint was discovered. Investigators identified the suspect and proceeded to file criminal charges related to unlawful imprisonment. The ninth-grade student was taken into custody as part of the investigation. Authorities noted that the accused individual had prior police involvement, placing him within a system of youth monitoring and intervention that already tracked his activities.
The case has drawn broader attention to issues of youth violence, peer pressure, and the handling of disciplinary actions among groups of adolescents. Reports from Moscow around the same time referenced a case in which a child faced violence linked to alleged insults to religion, underscoring a pattern in some areas where young people resort to harsh methods to settle disputes or demonstrate power. Community leaders, educators, and law enforcement have stressed the importance of safeguarding minors, promoting dialogue, and ensuring that any disciplinary measures are carried out within legal and ethical boundaries. In this incident, the swift response by bystanders and the subsequent actions taken by authorities highlight the ongoing need for clear policies and effective prevention strategies to protect vulnerable youths in public spaces and school-related environments. The broader conversation continues about how to address violence among young people while providing appropriate channels for reporting grievances and resolving conflicts without escalating to harm. The public is urged to stay informed through official statements and verified sources to prevent the spread of misinformation and to support constructive approaches to youth safety and aftercare for those affected by such incidents. The case remains under investigation as officials work to determine the full sequence of events and the appropriate legal response.