THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Education Minister V Sivankutty has ordered an inquiry into the snake bite incident on a class 7 student inside a classroom in Thiruvananthapuram. The Director of Public Education has been instructed to investigate the incident and submit a report.

“The authorities have repeatedly given instructions to keep the school and its surroundings clean. Still, such incidents taking place are appalling and serious.” Said the minister. The incident took place at Chenkal UPS in Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram.

Pottayil native Nokha (12), daughter of Shibu and Beena, was bitten by a rattlesnake during Christmas celebrations at the school on Friday. The snake had sneaked inside the classroom and Nokha unaware of its presence stepped on it, which responded with a bite. The child was immediately admitted to the nearby Chenkal Primary Health Center and then to Neyyatinkara General Hospital.

She was then transferred to the medical college for expert treatment. The health status of the child is satisfactory and she is expected to be discharged from the hospital by noon. Fifty students are studying in Chenkal school. Headmistress Indu responded that maintenance is being done here from time to time. Meanwhile, some parents alleged poor upkeep of the premises which is now enveloped by wild bushes. The manager meanwhile responded that the school function is running despite facing serious financial difficulties.