The Kachra High School in Kushmandi of South Dinajpur remained deserted on Thursday, a day after violence sparked at the institution as a section of villagers ransacked the school following the death of a student.
The headmaster’s room, the teachers’ common room and the library bore testimony to the attack as policemen and civic volunteers remained posted on the spot.
“We are feeling insecure about going to school after the attack. Hundreds of people ran into the school, and ransacked rooms, furniture, doors and windows. They assaulted the headmaster, me and some other teachers. Even the women teachers were not spared,” said Azhar Ali, a teacher.
On Wednesday, 12-year-old Abhijit Sarkar, a Class V1 student, fell ill while standing in the queue to collect his mid-day meal. The teachers attended him and informed his parents. His father came and while he was taking Abhijit to the hospital in Itahar, the boy died.
As the news spread, the villagers got angry and attacked the school. Rana Basak, the headmaster and other teachers delayed in taking the boy to the hospital or else he could have been saved, they alleged.
The teachers, however, maintained that there was no lapse on their part. Ali said he was in a class when he heard some students shouting.
“I learnt that a boy has fallen ill. He was taken to the classroom and laid on a bench. We also called a quack who stays nearby. He rushed and examined the boy.
Also, we called up a person who owns a car and asked for his vehicle,” said the teacher.
Before the vehicle could arrive, the boy’s father came. “He decided to take his son to the hospital on his bike. Along with him, some teachers and non-teaching staff also went on their bikes. It is unfortunate that he died on the way. We are all mourning his death,” added Ali.
Basak, the headmaster, said the boy had hepatic problems. “He had suffered from hepatitis and didn’t come to school for around 10 days. We have also learnt that he was also undergoing treatment for certain cardiac problems. After the unfortunate incident, some people incited the locals,” he said.
The headmaster, who got injured as he was beaten up, said he informed the district inspector of the school about the incident and stayed away from the school today. “A complaint has been filed with the police on behalf of the school,” he said.
Chhaya, the boy’s mother, however, slammed the school. “We sent our children to school with the confidence that the teachers will take care of them. As my son fell ill, they didn’t arrange prompt treatment for him and instead, waited for my husband to arrive there. Due to this delay, my son has died. We want justice,” she said.
A police complaint has been filed by the school for the attack and assault and four persons have been arrested.
The boy’s family also filed a police complaint.