10 August,2026 01:09 PM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondent
Three tribal girls die at residential school hostel, three hospitalised (Representational image)
Three tribal girls died, and as many others were undergoing treatment after a venomous snake bit them at a residential school in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli. The incident prompted the district administration to launch an inquiry into the incident, officials said on Monday.
As per PTI, the incident occurred around midnight on Sunday, August 10, in the hostel of the aided tribal residential school, located in Japtalai village, about 10 km from Dhanora taluka headquarters, a district administration official said.
The official, while briefing about the incident, said that a venomous snake bit the minors while they were sleeping on the floor in the school's hostel. Three of them, aged 8, 12, and 14, died. Three other girls, in the age group of 11 to 14, were receiving treatment for snakebite, as per PTI.
District Collector Avishyant Panda said a detailed inquiry will be conducted to ascertain exactly how the incident occurred, whether adequate protective measures were in place at the students' accommodation, and whether the school management complied with required safety rules and precautions.
While expressing sorrow over the incident, Panda said, "A thorough inspection of the school's safety arrangements will be done," he said in a statement while expressing sorrow over the incident."
He mentioned that three students were undergoing treatment. They were promptly administered the anti-venom medicines, and medical teams were closely monitoring their condition.
The collector instructed the district surgeon to ensure no deficiencies in treatment and that the students receive special care.
Panda also added that teams from the Tribal Development Department will inspect the site and gather necessary information. If negligence or safety lapses are found during the probe, responsibility will be fixed, and action will be taken against the guilty as per rules, as per PTI.
Gadchiroli's co-guardian minister Ashish Jaiswal also expressed sorrow over the incident and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
Jaiswal said he has instructed the administration to provide all necessary medical facilities and support to the students undergoing treatment, as per PTI.
After the Tribal Development Department team's inquiry report is received, responsibility will be fixed, and further action will be taken based on its findings, the minister said in a statement.
(With inputs from PTI)
