SHILLONG: An official two-member team has been sent to Karnataka to probe the death of a 13-year-old Meghalaya student in controversial circumstances. The decision follows the publication of a report on the incident in The Shillong Times.
Swapnil Tembe, Director of School Education and Literacy, issued an order on Monday that Sub-Inspector of Schools and Sub-Divisional School Education Officer, Shillong, P Sunn, and District MIS, PM-POSHAN, Shillong, R Kharsyntiew, will travel to Karnataka for the investigation.
The officials will liaise with the district administration concerned as well as the families of affected students from Meghalaya. A detailed report on the incident will be submitted upon return.
The case has made headlines because of the unfortunate nature of the death. This student, Khrehlang Khongtani, was a Class VI student at a private institution in T Kagepura village, Mandya district, Karnataka. He was one of 30 students in an unauthorized hostel who became critically ill after eating leftover food being prepared for the Holi festival. The students suffered from severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, with Khrehlang finally passing away from his illness.
Khrehlang's body was repatriated to his home village in Pynursla on Monday night. His two older brothers, who also attend the same school in Karnataka, brought his body back home.
As per Lyndem village headman Ebren Khongthah, Khrehlang began to recover first and was even discharged from the hospital. But he again declined and passed away after being readmitted for treatment. The headman further disclosed that four siblings of the same family are studying presently in Karnataka.
The episode has brought into focus the activities of the Lei Synshar Cultural Society (LSCS), which has been helping students belonging to economically weaker sections in Meghalaya by giving them a chance to pursue studies outside the state. LSCS has been sending children to Karnataka for free education since 2001.
LSCS member Wailad Nongtdu was very sad to hear of Khrehlang's passing and explained that food poisoning had hit not only Meghalaya students but also others.
He further pointed out that more than 100 students from Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and Ri-Bhoi district are now pursuing studies outside Meghalaya with the help of LSCS. Most of them have been able to successfully obtain degrees in medicine, engineering, and other disciplines through the assistance of society.
Amid speculation about LSCS's connection with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Nongtdu explained that the society is not a direct affiliate of the RSS.
He, however, admitted that numerous individuals from Meghalaya have been supported by RSS. He reiterated that LSCS does not compel any student to study outside of the state but only provides assistance with the agreement of the parents.
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