Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has ordered a high-level probe into the tragic death of seven-year-old Dipannita Pal, a Class 2 student, following allegations of severe negligence by school authorities in Agartala. The incident has sparked statewide outrage, raising serious questions about safety protocols and accountability in educational institutions.
On Saturday, Chief Minister Saha visited the grieving family at their residence in Jogendra Nagar on the outskirts of Agartala. He offered his condolences and assured them of full government support during this extremely difficult time. Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said he had personally followed the case from the beginning and remained in constant touch with medical authorities during the child’s treatment.
“I have been monitoring the matter. I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Dipannita Pal and express my heartfelt condolences to the family. The loss of an innocent child is truly heartbreaking and painful,” CM Saha stated. He emphasised that strict action would be taken once the investigation is completed.
Dipannita, an eight-year-old student of a local school, died on November 18, nearly a week after suffering what doctors described as a severe sunstroke. The incident occurred on November 9, when students were reportedly instructed to stand outdoors under direct sunlight during a school programme. According to witnesses and family members, despite repeatedly telling her teacher that she felt unwell, Dipannita was forced to remain standing in the scorching heat.
During the event, the young girl collapsed suddenly. Her family was alerted and rushed her to Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital. Doctors later confirmed that she had suffered a serious sunstroke, and the impact had caused partial paralysis of her body. She remained under intensive medical care for several days, battling for her life before she lost the fight on November 18.
The shocking nature of the incident has triggered widespread concern, with parents, educationists, and child rights activists demanding strict accountability. Many have questioned how the school allowed such prolonged exposure to extreme heat, especially for young children. The temperature on the day of the incident was unusually high, and reports suggest the students had no access to shade or drinking water during the programme.
Chief Minister Saha, who also holds the portfolio of Elementary and Secondary Education, has directed the District Magistrate of West Tripura and the Directorate of Education to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. He assured that the government would not spare anyone found guilty of negligence.
“Despite the best efforts of the doctors, Dipannita left us. Necessary instructions have been given to the District Magistrate and the Directorate of Education to investigate the incident. Appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation report. The state government will stand by the bereaved family, and maximum assistance will be provided during this painful time,” he said.
Following the incident, social media platforms have been flooded with demands for justice. Many citizens have pointed out that such negligence is not an isolated occurrence, and schools must enforce strict safety guidelines during outdoor events. Child welfare organisations have also urged the state government to revise existing protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Several parents from the same school reported that the institution often failed to consider children’s comfort and safety during events and examinations. They alleged that teachers sometimes ignored requests from students complaining of illness or discomfort. These claims have further intensified calls for systemic changes within the school administration.
Meanwhile, the local community in Jogendra Nagar remains in mourning. Neighbours, relatives, and local leaders gathered at the family home to express solidarity. Dipannita was described as a cheerful and bright child whose premature death has created a deep void.
The opposition parties in Tripura have also demanded strong action and greater transparency in the probe. They stressed the need for strict enforcement of student safety norms and urged the government to take measures to ensure that no other child becomes a victim of such gross negligence.
As the investigation begins, all eyes are now on the District Magistrate’s report, which will determine whether criminal action will be taken against those responsible. The case has become a defining moment in Tripura’s ongoing debate over student safety standards.
| Also Read: CPI-M slams CM Saha over Anti-Communist remarks |
For now, the tragic death of young Dipannita Pal stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of negligence. The state awaits answers, accountability, and concrete reforms to prevent such an incident from ever happening again.
