Three girls died while three others are undergoing treatment after being bitten by a venomous snake at an ashramshala (residential school) of village Japatlai in Dhanora taluka. Of them, one girl has been airlifted to Nagpur for further treatment. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, when a snake bit six students sleeping in the ashramshala. Meanwhile, Kuparlingo Santha, who runs the said school, has suspended Bhagyashree Chilamwar, Warden of the hostel, for her negligence in duty.

 

The deceased students included Deepika Lakda (12), Sushmita Mandal (14), and Anu Koreti (8). The incident came to light between 2-2:30 am. Deepika and Sushmita passed away while undergoing treatment in Dhanora Hospital while Anu Koreti, who was in critical condition, was shifted to the Gadchiroli District Hospital but also breathed her last during the treatment. Deepika was a resident of Javeli and Sushmita of Mendhari in Etapalli taluka, while Anu hailed from Kehkavahi in Dhanora taluka. Deepika was a student of Class 6, Sushmita of Class 8, and Anu Koreti of Class 2. Meanwhile, three other students Deepika Madavi (11), Kavita Kirange (12), and Samruddhi Naitam (14) are undergoing treatment; Samruddhi’s condition is reported to be critical. As beds were not available for the students to sleep on, they were sleeping on mattresses spread on the floor, it is understood.

 

Meanwhile, high-level inquiry has been ordered by Avishyant Panda, District Collector, into the incident. Enquiry will be conducted to fix accountability regarding the safety of the students and responsible individuals. The teams from the Tribal Development Commissionerate will carry out a detailed investigation. Avishyant Panda has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased students. Treatment is currently underway for the three other students involved; an adequate stock of anti-venom is available, and all three have been promptly administered the medication. A medical team is closely monitoring their condition. The Collector has issued clear instructions to the District Civil Surgeon to ensure there are no lapses in treatment and that special care is taken of the students.