Two students from Hiradpada Gagangiri Ashram School died and three others were seriously injured when the motorcycle they were riding skidded and fell into a roadside pit. This happened as they were returning to their school after attending a Navratri fair in Maharashtra's Palghar district.
- Five students secretly left the school to attend a Navratri festival.
- The motorcycle accident occurred between 2:30 am and 3:00 am on October 19.
- Two students died, and three were critically injured and taken to hospitals.
- Investigation revealed security lapses at the school, including non-functional CCTV cameras.
- The headmaster, warden, and watchman were suspended for dereliction of duty.
How did the accident happen?
The five students managed to slip out of the hostel late at night without permission. They rode together on a single motorcycle after attending the Navratri festival in nearby Sarsun village. While returning through Kongdi ghat in Jawhar taluka, their motorcycle skidded and fell into a roadside pit. Two students, Sumit Motiram Bhingal (18) from Class 12 and Pritam Ganesh Potinda (15) from Class 9, died as a result of the crash.
What happened to the injured students?
The other three students sustained critical injuries. They were first taken to Patangshah Cottage Hospital in Jawhar. One of them died during treatment there. The remaining two, along with one other injured student, were transferred to the District Hospital in Nashik for advanced care. Doctors reported that their condition was stable and improving. Among the injured, two were from Class 9, one from Class 10, and two from Class 12.
What security issues were found at the school?
An inquiry by the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) revealed serious lapses in the school's security. It was found that non-residential students were allowed inside the hostel, and CCTV cameras were not functioning despite prior warnings. These failures allowed the students to leave the hostel undetected late at night.
What actions were taken after the incident?
The ITDP Project Officer and Assistant Collector in Jawhar, Siddharth Ramkumar, issued show-cause notices to the school management, headmaster, warden, and security watchman. Due to clear dereliction of duty, strict disciplinary actions were ordered. The school suspended the headmaster, warden, and watchman. Additionally, a local organization demanded that criminal charges be filed against the responsible school staff and trustees under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many students were involved in the accident?
A: Five students were riding on the motorcycle when the accident occurred.
Q: What caused the motorcycle to skid?
A: The motorcycle skidded while traveling through Kongdi ghat, a hilly area in Jawhar taluka.
Q: Were the students allowed to leave the school?
A: No, the students secretly slipped out of the hostel without permission.
Q: What disciplinary measures were taken against the school staff?
A: The headmaster, warden, and night watchman were suspended for dereliction of duty.
Q: What safety improvements are needed at the school?
A: The school needs to ensure functional CCTV cameras and stricter supervision to prevent unauthorized exits.
