Kollam: Mithun (13), a Class 8 student who was electrocuted at Thevalakkara Boys High School here, will be cremated on Saturday evening around 4 pm. His mother, who works abroad, is expected to arrive home on Saturday morning. The last rites will be performed at his residence after a public homage at his school from 10 am. Manorama News reported that the mortal remains will be taken to the boy's home by 12 pm.

Education Minister V Sivankutty, accompanied by Finance Minister KN Balagopal, visited the school where the boy died after coming into contact with a live electric wire, as well as his classroom.

The incident occurred around 9.15 am on Thursday, when Mithun reportedly tried to retrieve a slipper that had fallen on top of the cycle shed. A low-hanging electric wire was nearby, and Mithun was electrocuted while attempting to recover the slipper. He died on the spot, and his body was shifted to a government hospital.

Addressing the media on Friday, Minister Sivankutty stated that the education department had conducted an internal probe and initiated action to suspend the school headmistress over the serious security lapse. He added that the electricity department and the police are also conducting investigations into the boy’s death. The electricity department has announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the boy’s family.

Currently, the government has announced an emergency aid of ₹3 lakh for Mithun’s family. An ex-gratia payment will be decided after discussions with the Chief Minister and the Cabinet. 

“The CM has assigned me and the Finance Minister to take necessary action regarding the boy’s death,” said Sivankutty.

At the same time, he urged everyone to refrain from politicising the tragedy. He emphasised that the government would fully support the family. In addition to the suspension of the headmistress, the education department has issued a show-cause notice to the school management, seeking an explanation for the incident that led to the boy’s death. A new house will be constructed for Mithun’s family through the Scouts and Guides, and free education up to Class 12 will be provided for his younger sibling.

Kerala Child Rights Commission Chairperson KV Manoj Kumar has requested the electricity department to immediately replace the three-phase electric line located close to the school.