Katihar: A shocking case of negligence has emerged from Fasiya Primary School under the jurisdiction of Nagar Police Station in Katihar district, where a Class 3 student was locked inside his classroom after he fell asleep during school hours. The child was rescued in the evening by local residents after he woke up and started crying for help.
According to locals, the boy had dozed off on a bench during class. After school ended, unaware of his presence, teachers locked the classroom and left. Hours later, local shopkeeper Chandan Poddar heard the child’s screams coming from inside the school building. Upon investigation, he found the student trapped inside a dark classroom, attempting to escape through a narrow iron window, in which he became stuck.
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Poddar informed the school’s in-charge headmaster Mohammad Kalimuddin. With growing concern, nearby residents rushed to the spot and broke the classroom lock using a hammer, freeing the frightened child.
Villagers Outraged Over School’s Negligence
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the accountability of school staff. Visuals from the scene showed the child stuck in the iron window while trying to escape, and another image showed residents gathering outside the school premises demanding action.
Acting Principal Offers Explanation
Mohammad Kalimuddin, the acting principal, said he was on BLO (Booth Level Officer) duty for the past two days and was unaware of the day’s activities. He also mentioned having suffered a hand injury after slipping, making it difficult for him to attend school duties.
Kalimuddin added that other teachers informed him that the incident occurred accidentally, as the classroom often remains dimly lit even during daytime, and the teacher likely missed seeing the sleeping child on the bench.
Administrative Action Demanded
While the student was rescued safely, residents are demanding an inquiry into the matter and strict action against the school authorities responsible for such gross negligence.
