A tragic incident linked to unsafe school practices claimed the life of a 13-year-old Class 8 student in Kamareddy district on Sunday night, with allegations that children were made to perform chores unrelated to academics without supervision.
Sangeetha, a student of a Social Welfare Residential School at Borlam Camp in Banswada mandal, died after jumping from a moving seven-seater auto while returning school furniture. She suffered a fatal head injury and was declared dead on arrival at the Government Hospital in Banswada.
Auto ride during school chores turns fatal
According to sources, furniture was taken from the school earlier in the day to the residence of the in-charge principal for a private Ratha Saptami programme. The same furniture was being brought back to the school in the evening for Republic Day arrangements.
Four minor students were allegedly asked to accompany the furniture in an auto. After the furniture was unloaded, three students got down. However, Sangeetha remained inside the auto as it suddenly began to move. In panic, she jumped from the moving vehicle around 7.30 pm and sustained severe head injuries. No teacher or staff member was present to oversee the children or ensure their safety during the task.
Anger over use of students for non-academic work
Sangeetha hailed from Kodicharla village in Madnoor mandal and was enrolled at the residential school meant to safeguard children from marginalised backgrounds. The incident raised serious concerns over why students were sent out after dark and engaged in chores unrelated to their education.
Her body was kept in the hospital mortuary as grief and anger spread across the region.
Protests, compensation and action promised
Protests erupted in Banswada on Monday, with parents, relatives and youth organisations accusing school authorities of gross negligence. Demonstrators demanded strict punishment for those responsible.
Local MLA Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and Sub-Collector Kiranmai met the family and announced ₹5 lakh as financial assistance. The incident was reported to the Chief Minister’s Office.
Officials confirmed that an FIR would be registered, the in-charge principal would be suspended, and disciplinary action against other staff members would follow.