Class 9 Student Dies of Electrocution at Surat Government School

SURAT :A tragic incident at a government school in Surat has sparked outrage after a Class 9 student allegedly died of electrocution during a physical training (PT) session on Monday. The incident occurred at Suman School No. 16 (Urdu School) in Khatodara, raising serious questions about student safety and infrastructure maintenance during the monsoon season.

The deceased student, Abdul Rehman Mohammad Salim, reportedly suffered a severe electric shock while returning from the school terrace after a PT class. He was rushed to Surat Civil Hospital by teachers and the school principal, but doctors declared him dead.

According to eyewitness Mohammad Irfan, a fellow student, a group of seven to eight students was coming down from the second floor when Abdul Rehman ran towards a wall and came into contact with an allegedly electrified pole or exposed wire.

“He suddenly touched the wall and received a severe electric shock. We tried to help him immediately before teachers rushed him to the hospital,” the student said.

The victim’s family has accused the school administration of gross negligence. They questioned why students were taken to the terrace for PT despite the availability of an open playground and the risks associated with the rainy season.

“Our child lost his life because basic safety checks were not carried out. We were also not informed immediately after the incident,” family members alleged while demanding strict action against those responsible.

School authorities denied negligence but did not explain how the electrical hazard developed. During interactions with the media, officials declined to provide detailed answers, saying they would comment only after the inquiry.

Following the incident, administrative officer Dharmesh Patel visited the school and ordered an immediate safety audit of all primary and secondary schools run by the Nagar Primary Education Committee.

“If negligence is established during the investigation, strict action will be taken against those responsible,” Patel said.