A tragic incident has shaken the Katigorah area of Cachar district in Assam, where a four-year-old student died during school hours at a private institution on Thursday. The death of Sakib Alam, a KG-1 student and the only child of Haris Uddin from Ganganagar, has triggered widespread outrage among parents and local residents, who have accused the school administration of gross negligence.
Incident Details
The tragedy unfolded at Holy Flowers High School during the tiffin break. According to reports, Sakib fell ill and collapsed inside his classroom while other students were eating. He was rushed to the Katigorah Model Hospital, where doctors declared him “brought dead.” The exact cause of death remains unknown, pending an autopsy.
CCTV Footage Sparks Outrage
The situation turned volatile after CCTV footage from the classroom allegedly surfaced. Family members and locals who viewed the recording claimed that teachers on duty were preoccupied with other activities and failed to notice the child’s distress. The footage reportedly shows the boy lying under a bench for a considerable period without receiving any immediate assistance, despite classmates trying to draw the attention of staff.
School Principal’s Response
The principal of Holy Flowers High School, Chumki Das, admitted to reporters that the school authorities are “partially responsible” for the unfortunate turn of events. However, she also pointed toward the school’s nutrition policy, stating that junk food is strictly banned within the premises — a rule she claimed was reiterated to parents in a recent meeting. Footage reportedly showed some students with fast food in their hands, though the exact cause of Sakib’s death remains unknown.
Protests and Demands
The child’s death sparked immediate and heated protests within the school campus. Angry parents and community members gathered to demand accountability, raising serious concerns regarding the safety protocols and emergency response mechanisms in private educational institutions. Protesters have demanded a thorough examination of the CCTV evidence and strict legal action against those found responsible for the lapse in supervision.
Police Investigation
Local police have launched an investigation into the matter and have sent the body to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for an autopsy. “The circumstances behind the death will become clear once the autopsy report is available. We are looking into the allegations of negligence,” a police official said.
This incident has once again highlighted the need for stringent safety measures and vigilant supervision in schools, especially for young children. The community awaits the autopsy results and further legal proceedings to ensure justice for the deceased child.
