Kolkata: The private school near Ruby Hospital remained closed on Wednesday to conduct a thorough inspection of the premises to ensure it was clear of snakes. The student is undergoing treatment at a private hospital and is in stable condition.A Class 3 student of the school suffered a snakebite after going to the bathroom. It was reported that upon returning, she informed her class teacher and was sent to the infirmary for initial treatment. A section of parents raised concerns, claiming the school failed to inform her parents until they noticed the bite mark on her leg. Her family got her admitted to Fortis Hospital Anandapur at around 5 pm on Tuesday, where she was kept under observation. The child is out of danger because a thorough examination revealed the snake was non-venomous.Paediatrician Ritika Ghosh Dastidar from the hospital said, “Even as we had kept ASV (Anti snake venom) ready none of the multiple blood tests to detected the presence of venom. While there is definite fang marks it seems that the bite was possibility by a non-poisonous snake. We kept her under close monitoring and her condition is stable and the child will be discharged soon.”After the incident, there were huge repercussions among the parents, many of whom questioned how a student at such a premier institution was bitten by a snake in the bathroom. Many of them raised questions about the casual approach taken towards the child after the incident.“She immediately informed her class teacher, who sent her to the infirmary. The attendant in the infirmary casually said that it was nothing and asked her to go back to her class. After she reached home, a friend of the child informed her mother, who rushed from her office; meanwhile, someone took the child to the hospital. The school had a basic duty to take the child to the hospital and inform her parents, but they didn’t.”The school authorities issued a statement at midnight claiming, “She is being cared for with proper attention and is in safe hands.” Adding to this, they stated, “The safety and well-being of every child entrusted to our care remains our highest priority. We are taking all necessary steps with the utmost seriousness. As an additional precaution, we have informed the relevant Forest Department and authorized wildlife rescue personnel, who will undertake a thorough inspection and clearing of the school premises.” A team from the Forest Department came and inspected the school premises on Wednesday.
