Kerala mourns loss of young student electrocuted at school, officials face scrutiny

A government school in Kollam, Kerala, is facing strict disciplinary measures after the death of a Class 8 student who was fatally electrocuted on campus while retrieving a fallen slipper.

The General Education Department has ordered the suspension of the headmistress of Thevalakkara Boys High School, where the incident occurred. The action follows an internal report that pointed to multiple safety violations and a lack of supervision.

Minister for General Education V Sivankutty announced the decision on July 18, describing the event as a heartbreaking tragedy.

"A show-cause notice will be sent to the school, and the management is expected to respond within three days," he said.

The fatal accident took place when Midhun, an eighth-grade student, came in contact with a live wire while climbing the roof of the school's bicycle shed.

He died on the spot. The wire had reportedly been exposed for years, creating a silent but deadly hazard on campus.

Following the incident, a high-level meeting was convened, attended by the minister, General Education Secretary K Vasuki, and Director of General Education Shanavas S.

The group reviewed a detailed report submitted by the DGE and agreed on immediate corrective steps. "We must act, keeping in mind that we have lost a son of the State," the minister said.

An inquiry has also been initiated against Assistant Education Officer Antony Peter, who had temporary charge as District Education Officer during the reopening of schools.

The Education Department will arrange trauma counseling for Midhun’s classmates if signs of post-traumatic stress disorder are observed.

A financial aid package of ₹3 lakh has been approved for the family, drawn from the department’s public deposit fund. Additional support may be considered after the Chief Minister returns from New Delhi.

The minister also said the school management should step in to provide compensation. The government will exempt Midhun’s younger brother from examination and tuition fees until he completes Class 12. An official order confirming this decision is expected shortly.

Earlier this year, a government circular issued on May 13 had warned schools to report unprotected electrical installations near campuses.

The minister noted that it was the responsibility of school staff to raise red flags if such hazards persisted. “Failure to follow up or escalate safety concerns is not acceptable,” Sivankutty added.

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights also conducted an on-site visit after the tragedy.

Chairman K V Manoj Kumar, who inspected the location, called the presence of low-hanging power lines for years a “serious failure” and said the matter would be taken up with the state government. "We will request the government to take action against those responsible," he said.

The final probe report submitted by the Director of Public Education cited gross negligence and highlighted that the headmistress had failed to ensure safety protocols were followed on campus.

Midhun, the eldest child of Manu and Suja of Vilandhara, had gone to retrieve his slipper when he unknowingly touched a live wire. His sudden death has shocked the community and triggered public outrage over the lack of accountability in school safety systems.