Sat Jan 25 21:13:24 IST 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Student Dies After Electrocution at School; Government Announces Compensation
**Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu –** A 14-year-old boy, K. Sakti Somiah, died Friday after suffering an electric shock at his Government Higher Secondary School in Poyyavayal, Sivaganga district. The incident occurred when the ninth-grade student attempted to plug in a computer. His death sparked protests from family and relatives who initially blocked a post-mortem examination.
The school’s headmaster, Ganesan, has been suspended pending an investigation. Police have registered a case.
Following the tragedy, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed his condolences and announced a solatium of ₹5 lakh (approximately $6,000 USD) to the bereaved family. He also directed the School Education Department to prevent similar incidents.
Despite the Chief Minister’s announcement, protests continued Saturday. Local officials, including the Sub-Collector and DSP, held talks with the family, but initial attempts at appeasement failed.
Minister K.R. Periakaruppan and Sivaganga Collector Asha Ajith visited the site and offered further condolences and assistance. The Minister presented an additional ₹2 lakh cheque, matched by a donation from former MLA K.R. Ramasamy. The BJP and AIADMK also offered condolences.
Minister Periakaruppan stated that the government would conduct safety inspections of all educational institutions in the district. Following a post-mortem, the boy’s body was released to the family.
The boy’s mother, Valarmathi, a daily wage worker, expressed her grief, noting the recent loss of her husband and the devastating impact of her son’s death. The family’s hardship has prompted further community support.
First Piper 