Kollam: The tragic death of 13-year-old Mithun Manu, a Class 8 student at Thevalakkara Boys' High School, continues to send shockwaves through the community. The Director of General Education (DGE) is expected to submit the final report on the incident today, which could lead to disciplinary action against school authorities.
Mithun lost his life due to electric shock while attempting to retrieve a pair of shoes that had fallen onto the roof of the school’s cycle shed. The initial inquiry by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) pointed to serious negligence by the school’s management committee, who reportedly failed to ensure electrical safety measures on the premises.
Mithun’s funeral has been postponed until tomorrow, to allow time for his mother Suja to return from overseas. She had been working as a housemaid abroad and was vacationing with her employer’s family in Turkey at the time of the incident. Efforts are underway to bring her to Kuwait today, from where she will fly into Kochi early tomorrow morning. The family has announced that the last rites will be held as soon as she arrives.
Meanwhile, the State Child Rights Commission and the District Child Welfare Committee will conduct an inspection of the school premises today. The Child Welfare Committee is also set to submit a detailed report to the Education Department, which is closely coordinating with the police and other authorities.
Police officers will be recording statements from the school staff today, and the suspension of the head teacher is likely, based on preliminary findings that suggest lapses in safety protocols.
As public outrage mounts, several local organizations and student unions have announced protest demonstrations today, accusing both the school management and KSEB of grave negligence that led to the boy’s death.
To prevent any untoward incidents, the area surrounding the school has been placed under tight police surveillance, and security personnel are deployed in large numbers.
Mithun, the only son of Manu and Suja, lived in Manu Bhavan at Valiyapadam in Kallada. His sudden and preventable death has left the local community grief-stricken, with calls growing louder for strict accountability and improved safety in educational institutions.