MUMBAI: A 16-year-old mentally unstable teenager was beaten to death by four minor boys. The incident happened at David Sassoon Industrial School and Children’s Home at Matunga in Mumbai.

All four boys, aged 12 to 17, have been booked for murder. The four boys teamed up in the common hall of the children’s home and allegedly kicked and punched the boy repeatedly. He fell unconscious and immediately the warden of the children’s home took him to Sion Hospital, but his life could not be saved, said Shivaji Park police.

After the hospital authorities informed about the death, the police initially registered the incident as accidental death. However, the extent of the injury came to light when the post-mortem report was received on Wednesday. The doctors said the child died due to internal injuries and trauma.

Then the police and the children's home authorities conducted a detailed investigation of the other inmates. It was found that there were around 12-15 children in the hall at the time of the incident. One who tried to save the boy identified the four minors who beat the boy to death.

The police registered a murder case against them after their involvement was confirmed in the preliminary investigation. The police said that two of them have a criminal background. Only orphans or children in need of care and protection live in this children's home. An inquiry committee has been formed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.