Kerala minister orders suspension, aid after student's electrocution death

Thiruvananthapuram | A day after the tragic electrocution death of a 13-year-old student at his school in Kollam district, Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Friday announced immediate action, including the suspension of the school's headmistress and a show-cause notice to the management.

Mithun, a student at Thevalakkara Boys High School, died after coming into contact with a live electric wire on the school premises.

Addressing reporters here, the minister said the government had received a detailed report from the Director General of Education and was acting swiftly in response.

"We have lost a son of Kerala," Sivankutty said.

Among the steps taken, the school's Parent-Teacher Association will be reorganised, the Assistant Educational Officer will be asked to explain the failure, and the management has been given three days to respond to the notice.

Support for Mithun's family includes Rs 3 lakh in emergency aid, construction of a new house through the Scouts and Guides, and free education up to Class 12 for his younger sibling.

Sivankutty said a government circular issued in May had already warned schools to identify and report electrical hazards before reopening.

"The circular was clear. There can be no excuse," he added.