Hyderabad: A class 9 student’s tragic death at a government-run residential school in Nirmal district has led to the suspension of the school principal and three other officials. The incident occurred on November 5, where Shaik Ayan Hussain, a student at the Mahatma Jyothiba Phule Telangana Backward Classes Welfare Residential School for Boys, reportedly suffered fits while playing sports. Eyewitness accounts suggest that he was rushed to the hospital but was unfortunately declared dead upon arrival.

Ayan was just 14 years old and hailed from Lolam village in the Dilawarpur mandal. His parents are now calling for accountability from the school authorities, claiming that there was a lack of immediate medical care for their son during the incident. This has sparked a wider conversation about the management and safety protocols in place at residential schools across the state.

The Nirmal district collector took swift action following an inquiry led by RDO Rathna Kalyani, which resulted in the suspension of Principal M Santhosh, Teacher T Ramesh, PT Teacher Petaana, and health advisor Sujatha. Just days before Ayan’s death, 78 students from a different residential school were hospitalized for alleged food poisoning, raising serious concerns about student welfare in these institutions.

Incidents like these aren’t isolated. Earlier this year, two students died in another residential school in Jagital district, adding to the growing list of alarming events. As the state government pushes forward with plans to establish new “Young India Integrated Residential Schools,” many are left wondering how the existing institutions, which seem poorly managed, will ensure the safety and well-being of their students.