Lucknow: An eight-year-old Class III student died after a suspected snakebite at a govt primary school in Barabanki district on Monday, prompting protests by villagers and allegations of negligence against school authorities.The child, Anshu, a resident of Badhai Purwa village, was studying at Primary School Devgarpur Sahawar in Haidergarh block. Family members and classmates said he went to the school toilet around 10 am. The toilet area was surrounded by dense bushes and overgrown vegetation.After returning to his classroom, Anshu reportedly told teachers that a snake bit him and complained of discomfort. The family alleged that despite repeated warnings by the child, no immediate medical help was arranged. They said he was instead asked to lie down in a room under a ceiling fan as staff waited for his condition to improve. Over the next few hours, his health deteriorated.Around 1.30 pm, school staff informed the family that Anshu was unwell and asked them to take him home as school hours were ending. His father, Ashok, rushed to the campus and found the child lying on the floor, according to relatives. The family then transported him on a motorcycle to the Community Health Centre in Haidergarh, nearly seven kilometres away, where doctors declared him dead.The death triggered anger among residents, who protested outside the CHC and demanded action against four school staff members. Family members claimed several students heard Anshu inform teachers about the snakebite soon after returning from the toilet. They alleged neither an ambulance was called nor the family informed promptly.Locals also accused authorities of trying to remove evidence by clearing bushes on the campus soon after the incident. Residents said overgrowth had been present for months, increasing the risk of snakes.District magistrate Ishan Pratap Singh constituted a three-member inquiry committee headed by ADM (Judicial) Raj Kumar Yadav, directing it to submit a report within three days.The district administration said two versions had emerged. Teachers maintained the boy complained only of a headache, while the family insisted he reported a snakebite at around 10 am and was denied timely medical care. Officials said action would follow the inquiry report.
