Class 3 student dies after falling ill in Bansdroni school, parents allege negligence

The death of an eight-year-old Class 3 student in Kolkata has triggered allegations of negligence against a private school in the city’s Bansdroni area, with police now examining CCTV footage and statements from both the family and school authorities.

Ayush Kumar Nath, a student of Maharishi Vidyamandir, died at SSKM Hospital on Sunday after remaining in a coma for 11 days.

His parents have accused the school authorities of ignoring repeated complaints about his health condition on May 13, the day he allegedly suffered a head injury inside the campus.

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Parents allege child’s illness was ignored

According to Ayush’s father, Ashish Kumar Nath, the child had repeatedly informed teachers that he was feeling unwell during school hours. The family claimed the incident took place around 11.30 am on May 13, the last working day before summer vacation, when students were leaving the school premises. The parents alleged that Ayush fell from a staircase and suffered serious head injuries.

The family further claimed that the child’s injuries appeared to have been cleaned before they reached the school. Doctors at SSKM Hospital later reportedly found internal bleeding in the brain during preliminary medical examination. The postmortem report is awaited

School denies negligence allegations

The school administration has denied the allegations made by the family.

In a public statement issued after the incident, the school said Ayush had been absent for several days before attending classes on May 13 and had appeared “normal and fit” during school hours. According to the statement, the child complained of feeling unwell only during dispersal and was “immediately attended to” before being safely handed over to his father.

The school also claimed that certain individuals were spreading “false rumours and misleading stories” to defame the institution and said all CCTV footage and necessary information had already been handed over to police authorities for investigation.

School principal Susmita Chakraborty separately denied that the student had fallen or sustained injuries inside the school premises.

“Ayush was absolutely fine that day. He had been on sick leave for quite some time,” Chakraborty said. According to the principal, school attendants had helped the student carry his school bag to the gate where his father received him. “We take utmost care of our students, and there is no way any one of them is neglected,” she said.

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Police begin investigation

The parents lodged a complaint at Netaji Nagar Police Station on Sunday.

Investigating officer Abhijit Adhikari confirmed that CCTV footage from the school premises had been secured. “An investigation is underway. We will take statements from the parents and the school principal. Analysis of the CCTV footage needs more time,” he said.

The incident has reignited concerns around emergency response systems, student safety protocols and medical preparedness in schools across the city. Police are questioning the principal of the school, Susmita Chakraborty. Case investigation is underway and any further action would depend on medical findings, CCTV analysis and witness statements.