Bengaluru: School Negligence Alleged as Girl Loses Fingers, Severed Parts Discarded
In a deeply disturbing incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a six-year-old girl lost two fingers in a freak accident at a government primary school on the outskirts of Tumakuru, approximately 75 kilometers from Bengaluru. The case, which occurred on February 11 but only recently came to light, involves allegations of severe negligence and insensitive handling by school staff, leaving the child bleeding in pain without immediate medical attention.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The class 1 student was waiting in a queue for her mid-day meal on the school premises at Guluru when an iron classroom door was allegedly slammed on her hand. The impact was so severe that it severed two of her fingers. Despite the heavy bleeding, the teachers present at the school reportedly failed to rush her to a hospital, exacerbating the situation.
Outrage Over Discarded Fingers and Delayed Response
What has triggered immense public anger is the claim that the severed fingers were swept up and thrown into a waste bin. In their formal complaint, the girl's parents, who are daily-wage construction workers, alleged that no attempt was made to preserve the fingers or arrange emergency care. They were informed of the matter late, causing valuable time to be lost before they could reach the school.
Upon arriving, they rushed their daughter to the Tumakuru District Hospital. Doctors there reportedly stated that reattachment of the fingers might have been possible if the severed parts had been retrieved promptly. When the parents returned to the school to search for the fingers, they were allegedly told that staff had disposed of them because the sight of blood frightened other students.
Financial Transfer and Police Action
Adding to the controversy, the girl's family members alleged that school authorities transferred Rs 2,000 to the parents' account, appearing to wash their hands of the matter. Following the complaint, Tumakuru Rural police registered an FIR against headmaster Nagesh, teachers Renukamma and Venkatesh, and block education officer Hanumanthappa for negligence and insensitive handling of the emergency.
Impact of Delayed Action
The family emphasized that the impact of the injury could have been less severe if the teachers had acted without delay. "If they responded immediately, the outcome might have been different," a relative said, highlighting the tragic consequences of the alleged inaction.
Ongoing Investigation
A senior Tumakuru district police officer confirmed, "Based on the complaint by the kid's parents, we have registered the FIR. The parents have named a few teaching and non-teaching staffers. We are currently questioning them." The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of the negligence and ensure accountability.
This incident raises serious questions about child safety protocols and emergency response in government schools, underscoring the need for stricter oversight and training to prevent such tragedies in the future.
