Even as the 14-year-old student who allegedly murdered his woman teacher on Thursday spent his second day at the juvenile home here in quiet manner, police sources said investigation work was at full steam with the aim to file charge sheet within a month and start trial.

“The trial will start after that and we expect to finish the case in four months”, said a senior officer requesting anonymity.

“It is mandatory for the board to finish any case in four months. A delay caused in an extraordinary situation has to be recorded with appropriate reason. Speedy disposal of case is of utmost importance,” said a member of the Board.

He added that utmost care would be taken to ensure the boy’s future is protected. “According to the Juvenile Justice Act, the juvenile shall not suffer any disqualification attached to the conviction of the offence” the member pointed out.

Even during the trial, the juvenile shall not be subjected to any process that might harm him, officials explained. “There would be no witness box, no raised dais or no uniform like in a court. The board has always had a child-friendly approach. In fact, the offender is only called as ‘juvenile in conflict with law’ and is not referred to as accused as in the case of adults on trial.”

“All this is to acknowledge that he is just a child and hence far more vulnerable than an adult to cracking down due to stress and such other external pressures beyond his control.

We must treat these juvenile cases with lot of care and sensitivity. We need trained counselors aplenty in all the schools”, said Sudha Ramalingam, noted lawyer and rights activist.