Kerala child rights commission flags negligence on part of school, KSEB in student’s electrocution

The chairperson of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, M.V. Jayakumar, has stated that negligent conduct by the school management and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) local authorities led to the tragic death of a Class VIII student, Midhun, 13,  by electrocution at Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam district on Thursday. 

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the institution’s premises on on Friday (July 18, 2025), Mr. Jayakumar said the authorities glossed over the danger posed by a low-tension power line that sagged dangerously close to the awning attached to the school building.

He said Midhun accidentally brushed against the low-hanging power line when he clambered on the lean-to to retrieve his footwear, which had been lost in a throwing game, resulting in electrocution.

Mr. Jayakumar said the KSEB failed to gauge the evident danger posed by the power line and reposition it away from the school building, as public safety regulations mandated. 

Mr. Jayakumar said the commission has issued a notice to the Assistant Engineer in charge of the KSEB section as part of its investigation.

Mr. Jayakumar noted that the awning over which the low-tension line sagged dangerously was easily accessible to children from the main building.

“The school authorities were oblivious to the apparent danger. The management failed to erect a barrier preventing children from climbing down to the awning from their adjacent classrooms”, Mr. Jayakumar said.

‘Culpable negligence’

“It is unfortunate that a tragedy had to happen and a young life snuffed out for the school and KSEB authorities to realise their folly. The commission prima facie views the serious lapses as culpable negligence and will move the government for appropriate action”, he added.

Mr. Jayakumar said the commission has sought reports from the police, the government-aided school management, the Parents and Teachers’ Association (PTA), the panchayat authorities and other entities as part of its investigation. He said he would file a detailed report to the government at the earliest.