Visakhapatnam, Aug 22 (HS): The Andhra Pradesh School Education Department has constituted a three-member committee to conduct a detailed inquiry into the death of a six-year-old student at a private school in Visakhapatnam, while police have registered a case following a complaint from the boy’s parents.

The boy, identified as T. Pranay Tej, collapsed in his classroom on August 20 and was later declared dead at King George Hospital. The incident occurred at a private school in the Town Kotha Road area under the limits of One-Town police station.

The family has alleged that the child was reprimanded and slapped by a teacher after he failed to complete his homework. CCTV footage from the classroom is being examined as part of the investigation. The footage reportedly shows the teacher scolding the child before he collapses.

Police have registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which provides for inquiry into suspicious or unnatural deaths. The investigation is underway.

The School Education Department said officials conducted a preliminary inquiry immediately after the incident and submitted a report. Based on the preliminary findings, a three-member committee was constituted to examine the circumstances in detail.

The committee comprises the Regional Joint Director of School Education, Visakhapatnam, the District Education Officer and the Revenue Divisional Officer.

The exact medical cause of the child's death is yet to be established. Police said the post-mortem examination has been conducted and the final cause of death will be determined after the report is received.

Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh expressed grief over the child's death and assured the family that legal action would be taken against those found responsible, including the concerned school management. He also said the government would extend all possible support to the bereaved family.

The incident has raised concerns over student safety and the manner in which teachers deal with young children. The School Education Department said steps would also be taken to sensitise teachers to deal with students in a sensitive, responsible and humane manner.

The committee's findings are expected to help establish the circumstances leading to the child's collapse and death and determine further action.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar