All nine staff members of a government middle school in Ramban district have been suspended after a class seven student was accidentally locked inside a classroom for over four hours on July 4, 2026. The incident occurred on the last working day before the 15-day summer vacation, when the boy fell asleep in his classroom and was left behind after the school closed.
Rescue and Viral Video
The student was rescued around 8 pm when a passerby heard his cries for help coming from the locked school building. The passerby freed the boy from the classroom and recorded a video of the incident, which later circulated widely on social media, drawing attention to the lapse.
Official Action and Inquiry
Taking serious note of the matter, the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Ramban placed the entire staff of Government Middle School, Krawah, Zone Banihal, under immediate suspension. An official order described the incident as gross negligence and dereliction of duty, noting that the lapse had the potential to endanger the child's life and safety.
The suspension was ordered under Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956. During the suspension period, all employees will remain assigned to the same school until further notice, according to the CEO.
A three-member inquiry committee has been constituted, comprising the principal of Higher Secondary School Girls Banihal (Chairperson), the zonal education officer of Banihal, and the headmaster of High School Bankoot. The committee has been directed to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry, determine responsibility, and submit a detailed report with recommendations within three days.
Staff Composition
Officials said that six teachers, including a headmaster, and three supporting staff members are posted at the school. The entire staff of nine has been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The incident has raised concerns about student safety and supervision in schools, especially during the period leading up to long vacations when attendance may be irregular. Authorities have emphasized the need for strict adherence to protocols to prevent such occurrences.
