Kollam electrocution tragedy: Govt lays foundation stone for victim’s new home

Kollam: The family of a 13-year-old student who died after being electrocuted on an aided school campus last month will soon move into a new house, with Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty laying the foundation stone here on Sunday.

Mithun, a pupil at Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam district, lost his life after coming into contact with a live electric wire on the school grounds. The incident triggered strong criticism from opposition parties, who held the state government and the General Education Department accountable.

According to a statement from the minister’s office, the new home will be constructed in the same locality where the family currently resides. The project will be carried out under the supervision of the Kerala Scouts and Guides, of which Sivankutty serves as state president.

The proposed 1,000 sq ft residence will feature three bedrooms and modern amenities, with an estimated cost of ₹20 lakh. Authorities aim to complete the construction and hand over the keys within four months.

In addition to the new house, the government has rolled out several financial support measures. These include ₹10 lakh each from the state government and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), ₹11 lakh from the Kerala School Teachers’ Association (KSTA), and ₹3 lakh from the General Education Department.

“The educational expenses of Mithun’s brother will also be fully covered by the department,” Sivankutty said.

Local representatives and officials attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony. PTI