Paonta Sahib, (Sirmaur/Himachal Pradesh), 28 November, Thursday
Kumud Sharma, Diary Times: In a heart-wrenching incident in Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, a 12-year-old student of Guru Nanak Mission School has died under suspicious circumstances after allegedly suffering a heart attack during school hours. The incident has left both the school community and the family in shock, with many raising concerns about potential negligence and the school’s handling of the situation.
The Incident Unfolds at Guru Nanak Mission School
The young boy, identified as Raghav, a sixth-grade student at the school’s Surajpur branch, collapsed suddenly while playing with his peers. According to reports, he lost consciousness and fainted, prompting immediate action from the school administration. The child was rushed to JC Juneja Hospital in Paonta Sahib, but tragically, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Raghav, a resident of Koler village, had a known history of heart disease. His family had reportedly informed the school in writing about his condition and had been advised by medical professionals to avoid strenuous physical activities. This has led to suspicions that the school might have been negligent in either failing to act according to medical advice or not responding swiftly enough when the child fell ill.
Allegations of Negligence and Delayed Medical Attention
Raghav’s family and local residents are questioning the school’s actions, alleging that the child may have been subjected to physical activity despite his medical restrictions. There are reports that suggest the school’s failure to provide immediate medical attention could have contributed to the tragic outcome. Some speculate that the delay in taking Raghav to the hospital might have worsened his condition.
However, the school management has denied any wrongdoing, stating that Raghav was playing with other children when he suddenly fainted and collapsed. The school’s director expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as an unforeseen and tragic event. He emphasized that the child was promptly taken to the hospital, where efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Medical Examination to Determine Cause of Death
The case has garnered the attention of local authorities, and the police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Raghav’s death. Additional Superintendent of Police Yogesh Rolta confirmed that a post-mortem examination will be conducted on Thursday to ascertain the exact cause of death. The post-mortem report is expected to shed light on whether the heart attack was a result of a pre-existing condition or if other factors, such as the school’s handling of the situation, played a role.
While the family and public await answers, the school’s management has expressed condolences, with an official statement issued through social media expressing grief and support for the bereaved family. The statement read, “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the loss of a beloved student at Guru Nanak Mission Public School, Paonta Sahib. The entire school family mourns this irreparable loss and stands with the grieving family during this time of sorrow. May God grant peace to the departed soul.”
The Community in Mourning
The death of such a young child has left the community in a state of shock and sadness, with many residents of Paonta Sahib and the wider Sirmaur district expressing their condolences. The incident has also sparked a debate about the safety measures in place at schools, particularly for children with known medical conditions. It raises important questions about how educational institutions should handle students with health concerns and the responsibility they bear in ensuring the well-being of their students during school hours.
As investigations continue, the focus now shifts to understanding the full extent of the events leading up to Raghav’s death. For now, his family and the school community are left grappling with the devastating loss, hoping for clarity on what truly transpired in the moments leading to this tragic accident.
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