Siraha tense as locals protest death of a schoolgirl

JANAKPURDHAM: The situation in Siraha has worsened as locals protest the death of a 15-year-old schoolgirl.

It is alleged that the girl died after her school teacher offered her a drink containing spirit.

Sirjana Kumari Mahara of Bhalubahi in Siraha-11 died on Saturday night at Fulbari Memorial Hospital. According to Sirjana’s family, her teacher, Ambika Lamsal, gave her a tablet and a bottle of water to drink after she complained of stomachache. However, the family claims that the bottle contained spirit instead of water.

Sirjana’s health condition deteriorated right after she consumed ‘water’ offered by her teacher, and she was rushed to the hospital for treatment. “Her lungs were white and her eyeballs were stable when she was brought to the hospital,” said Dr. Shyam Sah of Karjanha-based Fulbari Memorial Hospital. “We can provide further details only after the post-mortem study.”

Students and relatives of the deceased have taken to the streets, accusing the school and the teacher of gross negligence. They are demanding action against the school and compensation for the family of the deceased.

“We have received information about the death of a 15-year-old after she was offered spirit instead of water,” said DSP Subash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the District Police Office in Siraha. “An investigation into the case is underway.”