LUCKNOW: An eight-year-old Class III student died after a suspected snakebite at a government primary school in Barabanki district on Monday, triggering protests by villagers and allegations of gross negligence against school authorities.The deceased, Anshu, a resident of Badhai Purwa village, was studying at Primary School in Sahawar first under Trivediganj block. According to family members and fellow students, the child had gone to the school toilet around 10 am. The toilet area is surrounded by dense bushes and overgrown vegetation. After returning to the classroom, Anshu reportedly told teachers that a snake had bitten him and complained of feeling unwell.The family alleged that despite the child’s repeated warnings, no immediate medical assistance was arranged. Instead, he was asked to rest in a room under a ceiling fan. His condition continued to deteriorate over the next few hours.Around 1.30 pm, school staff informed the family that Anshu was unwell and asked them to take him home as school hours were ending. His father, Ashok, rushed to the school and found the child lying on the floor. The family then transported him on a motorcycle to the Community Health Centre in Haidergarh, nearly seven kilometres away, where doctors declared him dead.The death sparked outrage among villagers, who staged a protest outside the CHC and demanded action against four school staff members. Family members claimed several students had heard Anshu informing teachers about the snakebite shortly after returning from the toilet. They alleged that neither an ambulance was called nor was the family informed promptly.Locals also accused authorities of attempting to remove evidence by clearing bushes on the school campus soon after the incident. Residents said the school premises had long been overrun with vegetation, creating favourable conditions for snakes.DM, Barabanki, Ishan Pratap Singh constituted a three-member inquiry committee headed by ADM (Judicial) Raj Kumar Yadav. The panel has been asked to submit its report within three days.The district administration said two versions of events had emerged. While teachers maintained that the boy had complained only of a headache, the family insisted he had informed school authorities of a snakebite around 10 am and was denied timely medical care. Authorities said action would be taken after the inquiry report is submitted.
