NHRC Takes Swift Suo Motu Notice of Snakebite Tragedy at Residential School, Jharkhand

(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

New Delhi, July 13: Taking serious note of the shocking death of a girl student after a snake allegedly bit four students inside a government residential school hostel in Jharkhand’s Lohardaga district, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has initiated Suo motu proceedings, holding that the incident prima facie raises grave concerns of human rights violations.

Acting on media reports, the Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, directing the State Government to submit a comprehensive report within two weeks.

The report has been sought along with the latest health status of the three surviving students, one of whom is reportedly battling for life after being shifted to RIMS, Ranchi for specialised treatment.

The tragic incident reportedly occurred on 7 July 2026, when four girl students of a higher secondary residential school hostel were allegedly bitten by a snake while they were asleep in a ground-floor room after dinner.

One student succumbed to the snake bite, while the remaining three were rushed for medical treatment.

Observing that the allegations, if found true, disclose a serious failure in ensuring the safety and protection of children residing in a government-run educational institution, the Commission held that the episode warrants scrutiny from a human rights perspective.

The NHRC has underscored that the reported circumstances point towards a possible violation of the students’ fundamental right to life, dignity, and a safe living environment, making it imperative for the State authorities to explain the preventive and remedial measures taken in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The Commission will examine the State Government’s response upon receipt of the report and consider further action in accordance with law.