Cachar: What Really Happened Inside the Classroom Before 5-Year-Old Student Died?

A five-year-old student died after allegedly falling unconscious inside a classroom at a private school in Katigorah on Thursday (7 May), triggering tension and outrage among family members and locals. CCTV footage accessed after the incident has raised serious questions over the response of the teachers present inside the classroom during the child’s medical emergency.

The deceased student has been identified as Shakibul Alam, a KG-1 student of Holy Flower Senior Secondary School. He was a resident of Gangapur and the only child of his parents. His father has been identified as Haris Uddin.

According to family members and school authorities, the child had gone to school normally in the morning and attended classes as usual. During the tiffin period, students were eating food inside the classroom. Reports suggest Shakibul was consuming Maggi noodles and chips brought from home when he suddenly became unwell and collapsed near a desk inside the classroom.

CCTV footage from the classroom reportedly shows students sharing food among themselves before the incident. The footage also shows two teachers present inside the classroom at the time. One of them was seen wearing a blue sari while the other was wearing a yellow kurta.

According to observations from the footage, when the child collapsed, several students attempted to alert the teachers. However, the teachers appeared occupied speaking with other students and allegedly did not immediately respond to the calls. The child reportedly remained motionless on the floor for nearly two to three minutes before one of the teachers noticed him lying below the desk. Shortly afterwards, the second teacher also noticed the situation and the child was taken out of the classroom.

The student was rushed to MG Model Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Speaking after the incident, the child’s father alleged that he was informed about his son’s death only after reaching the hospital from Gangapur. He claimed the CCTV footage showed his son lying unconscious for several minutes without immediate attention from the teachers. He also stated that no clear explanation regarding the cause of death had been given to the family. Another man present at the hospital alleged that the child died due to negligence by the teachers.

The father further said that his son had no serious medical condition and had gone to school normally that morning. He described the child as completely healthy.

School principal Sunti Das described the incident as unfortunate. She stated that KG students are sent home earlier during recess hours and therefore their tiffin break is scheduled after the second period. According to her, the child became unconscious after eating his tiffin.

The principal claimed that teachers immediately went to assist the child after he collapsed, although this account appears to contradict what is visible in the CCTV footage reviewed after the incident. She also said the child was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead.

The principal further claimed that doctors verbally informed the school that the child had low blood levels and severe coughing problems, which she suspected may have affected his breathing. However, she clarified that she did not know the exact cause of death and that the information was only communicated verbally.

Her statement appeared inconsistent with the account given by attending doctor Anwesha Nath. The doctor stated that the child was “brought dead” to the hospital, with no pulse and dilated pupils when he arrived. She said CPR was attempted despite the absence of vital signs, but the child could not be revived. The doctor added that a post-mortem examination had been advised and that no conclusion regarding the cause of death could be reached without it.

Addressing allegations regarding outside food being allowed inside the school, the principal stated that packaged food items such as chips are prohibited under school rules and that the instruction is displayed on the school notice board. She said teachers often confiscate such items, but in some cases students are allowed to consume them with warnings not to bring them again. She added that the school also informs parents about the restrictions, but stated that teachers cannot always take away the only food a child brings to school.

When questioned regarding allegations of negligence by the teachers, the principal did not directly respond to the accusation. She instead stated that the teachers were occupied consoling another girl who had been crying at the time, which allegedly diverted their attention. She also said the school encourages students to share food as part of teaching values such as “sharing is caring”, although teachers try to ensure children consume their own tiffin.

The incident has sparked strong reactions in the Katigorah area, with demands for a proper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Authorities are expected to rely on the post-mortem report and CCTV footage as part of the inquiry.