In a deeply tragic incident, 10-year-old Manoj Kumar, a Class 4 student from a government higher primary school in Kurubagere, Gundlupet, collapsed and died in his classroom around 11:30 am on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack. He was declared brought dead at the Gundlupet taluk hospital.
According to Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) Ramachandra Raje Urs, Manoj had a known heart condition and was under treatment at hospitals in Mysuru. His mother, Nagarathnamma, had informed teachers about his medical issues. Manoj had been diagnosed during a routine school health check-up on August 28, 2024, after which the family had begun treatment.
On the day of the incident, Manoj, who lived next door to the school, reluctantly went to class, telling his mother he felt weak. But with no one to stay home with him, his mother—who works at a garment factory—urged him to attend school. Shortly after, he collapsed in class, prompting his teacher and staff to rush him to hospital in an autorickshaw.
Manoj lived with his widowed mother and a college-going sister. His father had passed away some time ago. After a post-mortem at Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, the body was handed over to the family.
Dr. S. Chidambara, District Health Officer, confirmed the child’s health history and stated that follow-up care had been in progress.