Wayanad (Kerala): A 10-year-old girl died after being bitten by a snake inside her classroom at Sultan Bathery in Wayanad district, police said on Thursday.
The incident took place at a government vocational higher secondary school, Sulthan Bakery on Wednesday when S Shehela, a fifth-class student was attending her regular classes.
The child's classmate and family have accused the school of negligence as the girl was taken to hospital an hour after the incident took place.
A classmate alleged that the teacher continued with the class despite the injury, saying the child's father will take her to hospital.
Several television channels aired visuals of the classroom with a hole beneath the desk where the child was seated. According to police, the girl's foot got stuck in the hole and by the time her foot was pulled out, there were red spots noticed.
According to reports, the school administration took action after her condition started deteriorating.
Initially, the girl was taken to a private hospital in the area and then to a nearby district hospital. She was then referred to Kozhikode Medical college where she was declared brought dead.
Terming the incident as unfortunate, Wayanad district collector Adeela Abdulla said that a teacher-Sajil CV of the school has been suspended and action will be taken against those responsible.
An education department official has been asked to submit a report on the allegation of delayed medical assistance to the child. A deputy director, who paid a visit to the school, inspected the classroom Thursday morning.
State Education minister C Raveendranath has ordered a probe into the matter and said that strict actions will be taken if the allegations are found to be true.
Meanwhile, angry local people and relatives barged into the staff room and tried to attack the teachers present in the school, but were dissuaded by police personnel who are maintaining tight vigil at the school.
Rahul Gandhi writes a letter to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the matter, requesting compensation for the family of the deceased.
