Nagpur/Gadchiroli: Tragedy struck an aided tribal residential school in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district when a venomous snake reportedly entered the hostel and bit six girls while they were sleeping on the floor. Three girls, aged 8, 12 and 14, died, while three others, aged between 11 and 14, are undergoing treatment.
The shocking incident occurred around midnight on Sunday at the hostel of the Ashram school in Japtalai village, around 10 km from Dhanora taluka headquarters, according to district administration officials.
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The girls were reportedly sleeping on the hostel floor when the venomous snake bit them. Their condition deteriorated after the bites, and they were rushed for medical treatment. Despite efforts to save them, three of the children succumbed.
The three surviving victims were administered anti-venom medication and are under close medical observation. District Collector Avishyant Panda has directed the district surgeon to ensure that there is no shortage or deficiency in treatment and that the affected students receive special medical attention.
The deaths have raised serious questions over the safety arrangements at the residential school, particularly the decision to have children sleep on the floor in a region where encounters with snakes are not uncommon.
District Collector Panda ordered a detailed inquiry to determine exactly how the snake entered the hostel and whether adequate protective measures had been put in place to safeguard the students.
A thorough inspection of the school’s safety arrangements will also be conducted, he said.
Teams from the Tribal Development Department will visit the school premises, inspect the accommodation and collect information as part of the inquiry. Officials will examine whether the school management had complied with prescribed safety norms and precautions.
Panda said that if negligence or any lapse in safety arrangements is established, responsibility will be fixed and action will be taken against those found guilty in accordance with the rules.
Minister assures action
Gadchiroli’s Co-Guardian Minister Ashish Jaiswal expressed grief over the deaths and conveyed his condolences to the families of the children.
Jaiswal said he had directed the district administration to ensure that the girls undergoing treatment receive all necessary medical facilities and support.
He added that responsibility would be fixed after the Tribal Development Department submits its inquiry report and further action would be taken based on its findings.
The incident has left the tribal community in shock, while the deaths of three young girls have put the spotlight on the safety and living conditions of children housed in residential schools in remote parts of the district.
