A Class 1 student was bitten by a snake inside a classroom at Kolkata's Mitra Institution. This marks the second snake-bite incident in a Kolkata school within just seven days, sparking massive panic among parents.
- A Class 1 student was bitten by a snake inside a classroom at Mitra Institution, Kolkata.
- This is the second snake-bite incident in a Kolkata school within a single week.
- CM Suvendu Adhikari cited lack of composite grants for cleaning as a potential cause.
- Parents have expressed extreme anxiety, withdrawing children from school premises.
Kolkata: A wave of panic swept through Mitra Institution on Monday morning (August 24, 2026) when a Class 1 student was bitten by a snake inside a classroom around 8:30 a.m. The student was immediately rushed to SSKM Medical College and Hospital for emergency treatment. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, especially as it follows a similar scare just days ago.
This incident marks the second time in a week that a student has been bitten by a snake within a school's premises in the city. On August 18, a Class 3 student at Heritage School on the EM Bypass was bitten in a washroom. While that snake was reported to be non-venomous, the frequency of these occurrences has raised alarming questions regarding the safety of educational institutions in urban settings.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the recurrence of wildlife encounters in controlled environments like classrooms indicates a breakdown in institutional hygiene protocols and pest control management. The safety of children in schools is a fundamental administrative responsibility that cannot be compromised by budgetary or maintenance lapses.
The intrusion of reptiles into classrooms highlights a critical gap in urban school safety and sanitation management.
Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister and MLA of the Bhabanipur constituency, addressed the situation via video call after consulting with doctors. While expressing relief that the child is expected to recover, Adhikari pointed toward a systemic issue. He alleged that the school has not received its composite grant for the past three years, which is essential for purchasing cleaning supplies like carbolic acid and bleaching powder used to deter snakes.
The school's head teacher, Raja Dey, maintained that such an incident had never occurred during his tenure and promised a thorough investigation. However, the immediate reaction from parents was one of fear and distrust. Many parents gathered outside the school, expressing their inability to trust the institution's safety measures, and subsequently took their children home.
Incident Comparison
| Feature | Mitra Institution Incident | Heritage School Incident |
|---|---|---|
| Student Grade | Class 1 | Class 3 |
| Location | Classroom | Washroom |
| Date | August 24, 2026 | August 18, 2026 |
| Outcome | Under Investigation | Non-venomous snake |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the bitten student currently receiving treatment?
The student is being treated at SSKM Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
2. What is the government's stance on this matter?
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has promised appropriate action and highlighted the issue of unpaid composite grants for school maintenance.
