A disturbing case of youth violence in China has sparked widespread public outrage after a 12-year-old boy was reportedly beaten by a group of nine minors and later forced back to his home, where they allegedly searched for valuables after he refused to lend them an electric tricycle.
The incident took place on March 21 in Xingjing Town, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, where the victim, identified by the pseudonym Xiao Ze, was out riding his electric three-wheeled vehicle when he was approached by a group of students. After he refused their demand to “borrow” the vehicle, he was allegedly assaulted.
According to circulating videos online, the boy was surrounded, insulted, and repeatedly kicked even after falling to the ground. He was later forced to accompany the group back to his home, where several of the minors reportedly entered the house and searched for property.
The victim’s mother, surnamed Li, said she initially believed it was a minor dispute between children until footage of the attack was later shared on social media by one of the perpetrators. She described the behaviour as extremely aggressive and shocking, adding that one of the attackers even demanded the boy look into the camera while spitting on him.
Following the discovery, the family filed a police report. Authorities from the Xixia Branch of the Yinchuan Public Security Bureau confirmed that nine individuals were involved, including several who allegedly took part in the assault and others who encouraged the behaviour.
Police stated that eight of the suspects were under 14 years old and therefore not subject to administrative punishment, but their guardians have been ordered to strictly supervise and discipline them. One suspect, who was 14 at the time but under 16, received a 12-day administrative detention for the offence of provoking trouble.
The victim has since received psychological counselling and is currently recovering at home, reportedly too afraid to return to school. The family has also filed a separate complaint regarding the alleged break-in, with further investigations ongoing.
