Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant admission of responsibility, Kerala’s Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty has publicly acknowledged that both the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the school administration share the blame in the tragic electrocution of 13-year-old student Mithun at a school in Kollam district. The statement marks a rare instance of direct accountability from government officials in the wake of public outcry and grief.
Mithun, a Class 8 student at a government-aided school in Chadayamangalam, was fatally electrocuted after accidentally coming into contact with an exposed live wire on school premises. The incident, which occurred during school hours, shocked the state and drew strong reactions from civil society, child rights activists, and local residents. The boy’s mother, who works abroad in Kuwait to support the family, was informed hours after the tragedy. Mithun's father is a daily wage laborer.
Following the incident, a preliminary investigation revealed multiple safety lapses: a poorly insulated power line near a water outlet, unattended for months despite previous complaints, and a general absence of basic electrical safety protocols in the school infrastructure. Both the school management and the KSEB reportedly failed to act, even after earlier warnings about the risks.
In response to mounting criticism, the Electricity Minister visited the grieving family and publicly admitted that the tragedy could have been prevented. "The state failed Mithun. Both the school authorities and KSEB neglected their duty. We deeply regret the lapse and accept moral responsibility,” he said, speaking to reporters outside the family home.
As a gesture of immediate support, the government has announced a financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the family. The minister also promised that further support, including educational aid for Mithun's siblings and mental health counseling for the family, would be arranged through district-level interventions.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has ordered a high-level inquiry, and the Education Department has been directed to conduct a safety audit across all government and aided schools in the state. All institutions have been instructed to immediately inspect and rectify faulty electrical setups, with a deadline to submit compliance reports within a fortnight.
Human rights advocates have welcomed the minister’s rare admission of failure but stressed the need for long-term structural reforms. “Financial compensation is important, but what’s crucial is ensuring that no more children lose their lives due to institutional negligence,” said Dr. Tessa Varghese, a child rights activist and lawyer.
Public outrage has also prompted calls for criminal accountability. A local legal aid group has filed a petition demanding that negligent officials be booked under sections related to culpable homicide and endangering life through negligence.
Mithun’s death is a grim reminder of the gaps that persist in infrastructure safety, especially in public institutions. His story has stirred conscience across the state, and it remains to be seen whether this tragic moment becomes a catalyst for lasting change.