Why Was the Headmistress Suspended After a School Boy’s Electrocution in Kerala?
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Synopsis
A headmistress in Kerala has been suspended following the tragic electrocution of a 13-year-old boy at school. The incident has sparked public outrage and raised significant concerns over school safety regulations. Explore the details of this heartbreaking event and the steps being taken in response.
Key Takeaways
- Headmistress suspended for negligence.
- A tragic electrocution incident claimed a young life.
- Public outrage has prompted calls for better school safety.
- Government provided financial support to the victim's family.
- Community demands accountability and infrastructure audits.
Kollam (Kerala), July 18 (NationPress) In response to widespread public outrage over the tragic incident where a 13-year-old boy was fatally electrocuted while attempting to retrieve his footwear from a school rooftop on July 17, the headmistress has been suspended as of Friday.
The horrific incident occurred just prior to the commencement of classes at the state-funded Boys School, Thevelekkara. The students were playing on the ground when one of their shoes became lodged on the roof.
An electric line ran above the roof where the footwear was located. Mithun, a Class 8 student, ascended the roof but tragically slipped and made contact with a sagging live wire.
Despite all efforts, Mithun could not be saved.
Following the incident, there was significant public backlash regarding the apparent negligence of officials responsible for issuing fitness certificates to schools.
The blame was cast between the Kerala State Electricity Board and the school management, with State Education Minister V. Sivankutty questioning the actions of the headmistress and staff.
On Friday evening, the school management took action and suspended Headmistress S. Sujatha based on a report indicating a lack of diligence from the school authorities.
Overwhelmed by the public's anger, Sujatha fell ill and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The state government has provided a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to Mithun’s family, and the school's National Service Scheme has pledged to construct a new home for Mithun’s parents.
Mithun's father works as a mason while his mother is employed as a domestic worker in Kuwait.
His mother is expected to return from Kuwait on Saturday morning, with the funeral scheduled for that evening.
In response to the tragedy, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, who was visiting the state, expressed his grief on social media. He stated: “Six years ago, I urged the Chief Minister of Kerala to conduct a comprehensive audit of school infrastructure after a young girl's tragic death from a snakebite in her classroom. It deeply saddens me that yet another young life - 13-year-old Mithun Manu - has been lost to electrocution caused by a sagging power line within a school premises in Kollam.
“I call on the Kerala government to promptly initiate a public audit and upgrade all school infrastructure in the state, ensuring accountability for this tragedy. No parent should endure such devastating loss. Every child deserves a safe learning environment.
Point of View
I believe this tragic incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive safety audits in schools across the nation. With public trust at stake, authorities must prioritize creating safe educational environments for our children.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the boy in the school incident?
A 13-year-old boy, Mithun, was electrocuted while trying to get his footwear from the roof of his school.
Why was the headmistress suspended?
The headmistress was suspended due to negligence in ensuring the safety of the school environment, as indicated by an investigation.
What actions have been taken by the government?
The state government has provided financial assistance to the victim's family and is reviewing school safety protocols.
How did public react to this incident?
There was widespread public outrage regarding the safety measures at the school and the handling of the situation by authorities.
What measures are being proposed to improve school safety?
A public audit of school infrastructure and an upgrade of safety measures are being called for by leaders and community members.
