Thevalakkara (Kollam): In a controversial statement regarding the death of 13-year-old student Midhun, who was electrocuted at a school in Thevalakkara of Kollam, Minister from the district, J Chinchu Rani, appeared to shift the blame onto the student himself. Speaking at a CPI women’s gathering in Kochi, the Minister said Midhun had climbed onto the shed despite being warned by his classmates.

"It was to retrieve a shoe. The boy climbed on top of the shed to get it. His foot slipped, and as he grabbed a large wire, the current passed through. He died instantly. This wasn’t the teachers’ fault," she said. “But when our children climb on such structures, we don't realise how dangerous it can be. He had left home for school in the morning and returned dead. His classmates had warned him, but he still climbed up,” the Minister added.

Her remarks, which appeared to blame the child for his own death, have sparked criticism.

Midhun died after being electrocuted by a live wire above an illegally constructed shed adjacent to the school building. Reports suggest that he was trying to retrieve his shoe that had fallen onto the shed while playing.

The police have registered a case of unnatural death. Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty had earlier acknowledged lapses on the part of both the school management and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).