Death of boy; V Sivankutty promises action, power minister blames school

KOLLAM: Education Minister V Sivankutty has informed that stringent action will be taken against the guilty in connection with the boy’s electrocution in Kollam. The minister clarified that the boy lost his life due to negligence and that political connections will not influence action. Action will be taken against the school management, said the minister.

Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty also came forward blaming the school for the boy’s death. The minister while talking to the media in the morning said that a decision was taken to change the line earlier and there are lapses on the side of the KSEB. Building the shed was wrong, why not saying that? The minister said the dangerous power line could not be changed due to public opposition.

'It is not possible to say who is guilty in the incident. A detailed investigation should be conducted. Laying a cable with a covered conductor is a huge expense. There are such lines everywhere. Everything is being changed,’ said the minister.

Midhun, an eighth-class student of Thevalakkara Boys' High School, died yesterday after electrocuted while coming in touch with an electric line. The incident happened when he tried to retrieve the slipper which had fallen on top of the cycle shed. He is the eldest son of Manu of Manu Bhavan of Vilandhara and Suja. This is an aided school owned by the CPM-controlled governing body. The bicycle shed was built under the electric line next to the classroom eight years ago without getting permission from the panchayat. The accident occurred around 9.15 am yesterday.

Reports said the headmistress of the school will be suspended in the incident. The Sasthamcotta police have registered a case of unnatural death in the incident. The police will conduct another inspection in the school today. The statements of the school authorities will also be recorded.