India: Student, 17, beaten to death by classmates after he sat in the front row at school

A student has been beaten to death by his classmates in northern India during a row over classroom seating. 

Ranjit Kumar Singh, 17, died on Saturday after being attacked by a gang of fellow students as he left class in the city of Deoria, northern India.

The attack happened two days after Singh allegedly got into an argument with the group after sitting in the front row of class, which upset them.

On Saturday the group decided to confront Singh when they beat him with rods before running him over with their bikes. 

Singh died at the scene before his body was taken to hospital for a post-mortem examination, local media reports.

One of the alleged attackers was apprehended at the scene and handed over to police, according to the Deccan Herald.

Four others are said to be on the run and police have launched a manhunt.

The head of the coaching school is also said to have vanished since the attack.