Kollam: Kerala Minister J Chinchu Rani on Friday visited the home of Midhun, the Class 8 student who died of electrocution at Thevalakkara Boys High School, amid widespread public outrage over her earlier remarks that appeared to downplay the tragedy.

The visit took place around 10 am, a day after the minister's statement drew strong criticism for being insensitive. Speaking to the media during the visit, Minister Chinchu Rani expressed condolences and assured the grieving family of government support.

“The family is in deep sorrow. Midhun’s mother is abroad and is expected to arrive tomorrow. The government is involved in the matter. Once the investigation report is submitted, it will be discussed under the leadership of the Chief Minister,” the minister said.

She also promised that lapses, if any, on the part of the school or the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) would be thoroughly investigated.

Remarks triggered backlash

Minister Chinchu Rani’s earlier comments about the incident, made during a public event in Tripunithura, triggered a storm of criticism. She was quoted as saying that the teachers could not be blamed, and that the child had accidentally stepped on a live wire while playing, despite being warned not to climb on the school’s sheet roof.

“Who would expect such accidents? The boy slipped and grabbed the wire. It’s unfortunate that a child who left home for school had to return lifeless,” she said during a CPI women’s gathering, where she was also seen participating in a ‘Zumba dance’ performance—another act that drew flak given the timing.

Critics slammed the minister for making such comments while a tragic incident had unfolded in her own district.

CPI seeks explanation

The controversy prompted the Communist Party of India (CPI), to which Chinchu Rani belongs, to step in. State Secretary Binoy Viswam has reportedly sought an explanation from the minister, with party sources indicating that her response to the student’s death was viewed as wrong and insensitive.

The party is expected to take a final call on the matter after receiving her explanation.

Headmistress to be suspended

Education Minister V Sivankutty has directed the school management to suspend the headmistress of Thevalakkara Boys’ High School following the tragic death. The minister warned that if the management fails to take action, the government will step in to suspend her.

The minister also said that an explanation will soon be sought from the school’s Executive Engineer, Antony Peter. A notice will be issued to the school management asking for reasons if no action is taken, and they must respond within three days.

The school management was urged to consider providing financial assistance to Midhun’s family.

Speaking about the incident, Sivankutty assured that the department will do everything possible. “We have lost a son of Kerala. Keeping that in mind, appropriate action will be taken.” He also noted that the department had already issued guidelines that the school should follow when reopening.

As part of support measures, the Public Education Department will construct a house through Scouts and Guides, considering the family’s location and other facilities. Additionally, the minister announced that Midhun’s younger brother will be exempted from exam fees up to Class 12.

An emergency financial aid of ₹3 lakh will be provided to Midhun’s family from the Public Education Department’s PD account. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who recently returned from Delhi, will look into further support measures for the family.

Background

Midhun, a student of Thevalakkara Boys High School, was fatally electrocuted on July 17 when he came into contact with a live wire while reportedly retrieving his slipper from above the roof of a school structure. The incident has sparked questions about the safety protocols in place at government schools and the responsibility of both school authorities and KSEB.