In Kunal’s case, they they came to know that one of his parents lived in the US. “When we came to know of his plans we kept a close vigil on him and even changed our place of stay. But he still managed to escape through the fire exit.”

This act of the students has tarnished the school’s image, he said, adding that the US authorities will take action against the students after their visa expires.

Hoshiarpur SSP Dr Sukhchain Gill said he has asked the DSP to probe the matter following a letter from the school authorities to the Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur SSPs. Jalandhar SSP Pawan Rai said: “We will see what action we can take legally in this matter.”

It may be noted that last month over two dozen Catholic youth from Jalandhar had disappeared in New Zealand . Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar districts of Punjab are known for their expatriate community and people long to settle abroad through legal or illegal means.