Team Goemkarponn
BAINA: Tension prevailed at Baina on Sunday when the Principal and a teacher of Deep Vihar School visited the residence of the deceased Class XI student to offer condolences to the grieving family, nearly two days after the 16-year-old allegedly died during a school trekking activity at a waterfall in Sattari taluka.
The school representatives arrived at the residence accompanied by police personnel, reportedly anticipating that the situation could turn tense. Their visit soon led to an emotional confrontation as several residents gathered outside the house and questioned the school representatives about their presence.
The grieving parents refused to accept the condolences and questioned why the school representatives had visited only at this stage. The family alleged that they had struggled to get information from the school when they first learnt that something had gone wrong during the trekking activity.
According to the family, they were desperately trying to ascertain their child’s whereabouts and condition before subsequently learning that he had died during the trek. They questioned the school representatives over the circumstances surrounding the incident and demanded accountability from everyone responsible for organising and conducting the activity.
As the situation became increasingly tense, more residents gathered at the spot and confronted the Principal and teacher. The school representatives attempted to speak to the grieving parents with folded hands, but the family maintained that they did not want condolences and instead sought strict action against those responsible.
The parents said they plan to meet Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and submit a request for the constitution of a committee to conduct a detailed and comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
The family wants the proposed inquiry to examine the role of the teachers, headmistress, school management, tour operators and others allegedly involved in organising and conducting the trekking activity.
The parents also urged the Chief Minister to treat the incident as a serious warning and introduce stricter safety norms for school activities, trekking programmes and educational tours. They said adequate safeguards must be put in place to ensure that other families do not face a similar tragedy.
The 16-year-old Class XI Science student allegedly died during the trekking activity organised by Deep Vihar School at a waterfall in Sattari. The incident has triggered anger among the family and local residents, with growing demands for accountability, a comprehensive investigation and stronger safety protocols for school-organised activities.
