That the shocking incident happened in a State which prides itself on being one of the most advanced states in the country, a state known for its impressive strides in various fields of human endeavour, especially in education and health, is beyond belief. But it is true.

A closer look at the incident is necessary to realise the monstrosity of it all and the enormity of the crime. The school student, Shafla Sherin – a class five student in Batheri Government Sarvajana Vocational Higher Secondary School in Sulthanbatheri in Wayanad district - died after being bitten by a snake hiding in a hole on the floor of her class room.

As soon as the incident happened, the girl reportedly complained to the class teacher. Other students also brought it to the notice of the teacher. But despite being told repeatedly by many students, the teacher allegedly refused to rush Shafla to the hospital.

As per eye-witness accounts,, the incident occurred around 3.10 p.m. But the father, an advocate, was allegedly informed only around 3.40. The girl could have been taken to the hospital immediately instead of waiting for the father to come. The teachers did nothing of the kind in a shocking display of insensitivity.

The girl was first taken, according to eye-witness accounts, to a nearby hospital. She was referred to another hospital and then to a third. At the fourth hospital where she was taken, the doctors asked the father to rush her to Kozhikode Medical College, more than 35 km away from Sultanbatheri.

Reports have it that one of the hospitals did have the anti-venom that is administered in snakebite cases. But that was not done! On way to Kozhikode, the girl developed breathing problems, and died around 6 p.m.

It obviously is a clear case of the teachers’ failure to rush the girl to hospital. The doctors compounded the crime by refusing to administer the required medicine despite it being available.

True, a teacher and a doctor have been placed under suspension. The Chief Minister has promised to take deterrent action against the guilty. But the stark reality which is difficult to digest is that a precious life has been snuffled out for want of immediate care and timely medical attention.

It is a searing indictment of the state of affairs that a tragedy of this dimension should happen in a progressive state like Kerala. It must make us hang our heads in shame. The least we can – and must do – to expiate our collective guilt is to ensure that such shocking incidents do not recur. Our class rooms must be secured against all such hazards.

The school authorities should have taken steps to close the gaping holes on the floor of the class room of a school situated in an area abounding with snakes. That even this elementary precaution was not taken bespeaks a shocking lack of our capacity for fellow feeling and indifference to the dangers school children are exposed to. Will the powers that be wake up and make adequate amends without further loss of time?

Meanwhile, all of us will have to live the rest of our lives with the shocking incident - an inerasable blot on God’s Own Country - weighing heavily on our collective conscience. We also owe an apology to the departed soul. Forgive us, Shafla. (IPA Service)