16-year-old dies of electrocution putting up flag in MP school

A 16-year-old student died after coming in contact with an overhead power line while putting up the national flag at a private school in Datia on the eve of Independence Day, police said.

A road blockade staged by the boy's protesting relatives forced a Madhya Pradesh minister to get down from his car and assure that strict action would be taken against those responsible in the matter.

The incident took place on Friday at Little Star Public School during preparations for Independence Day, Kotwali Station House Officer (SHO) Dinesh Rajput told PTI over phone.

The student, Raj Kushwah, suffered severe burn injuries and died on the spot, he said.

The school did not hold its Independence Day programme on Saturday following the tragedy.

Raj's family alleged on Saturday that a school official called him back around 1.30 pm on Friday after classes had ended, and sent him to the rooftop to put up the flag. He came in contact with the high-tension line and died at the spot.

The school management did not immediately inform them about the incident, family members further claimed.

They did not want compensation but action against the management, they said, blocking National Highway 44 outside the New Collectorate.

Social Justice and Disabled Welfare Minister Narayan Singh Kushwah's car was also caught in the traffic jam. He got out, met the student's family, and directed the Sub Divisional Officer of Police to take action.

"An FIR will be registered and legal action will be taken. Directions have also been issued for the arrest of those responsible. Strict action will be taken against the school manager and his arrest will follow. Every possible assistance will be provided to the family," the minister said.

Police official Rajput said a case has been registered against school owner Nandkishore Kushwah under section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The accused was untraceable and police were searching for him, Rajput added.