Another snakebite incident involving a school student has raised concerns over campus safety in Kolkata. A Class 1 student of Mitra Institution was allegedly bitten by a snake on his left hand on Monday morning.
The student, identified as Dripto Pal, is a resident of Tollygunge and is currently undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital. His condition is reportedly stable. According to the child’s family, the incident occurred between 9 am and 10 am on Monday. The students were reportedly playing inside the school when the snake allegedly bit Dripto.
The child immediately informed his teachers about the incident. School authorities reportedly took him to SSKM Hospital, where he was initially admitted to the Emergency Department. Doctors subsequently conducted blood tests on the child. According to hospital sources, the tests reportedly indicated the presence of snake venom.
Mother questions how snake entered school
The child’s mother said she was surprised by the incident as she believed the school premises were clean and did not have significant vegetation that could attract snakes.
She said she initially thought her son might have been bitten by something else because of his young age. However, she became concerned after doctors reportedly detected snake venom in his blood tests.
The incident has also raised questions about how a snake could enter the school premises and whether additional preventive measures are required to protect students.
Heritage school snakebite raised similar concerns
The Mitra Institution incident comes days after a Class 3 student of Heritage School was allegedly bitten by a snake inside a washroom on the school campus.
The incident reportedly took place on the afternoon of August 18. The snake was said to be around one-and-a-half feet long. The student was taken to the school sick room for initial medical attention and was subsequently admitted to hospital.
The incident triggered concern among parents and students, while the state Education Minister said necessary steps would be taken following the snakebite incident.
Heritage school announces safety measures
Following the August 18 incident, Heritage School said the student had been discharged from hospital and was in good health. The school also said it had extended all necessary support to the family.
The school reiterated that the safety, well-being and security of every child remain its foremost priority and said it had immediately begun reviewing and strengthening preventive measures across the campus.
As part of the measures, the school engaged the West Bengal Wild Animal Rescue and Transit Facility Centre. Its team conducted a comprehensive inspection of the school campus, including buildings, external premises and surrounding areas. The school is awaiting the centre’s formal report.
Special inquiry committee constituted
Heritage School has further constituted a Special Inquiry Committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the August 18 incident and assess the existing safety processes and protocols. The school said it is working with concerned agencies and experts and will carefully review their observations and recommendations.
