Shillong: The Meghalaya government has dispatched a special team to Karnataka following the tragic death of a 13-year-old student from the state in an illegally operated hostel. The team will coordinate with the local administration and assess the well-being of other students from Meghalaya.
The deceased, Sunday Kerlang from Lyndem village under Pynursla Civil Subdivision, was a Class VI student at a private school in T. Kagepura village, Mandya District.
According to reports, several students were hospitalized after experiencing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, allegedly after consuming leftover food from Holi celebrations.
In response, the Meghalaya Education Department swiftly deployed officials to coordinate with the local administration and keep parents informed. The school houses 202 students, with 30—mostly from Meghalaya and some from Nepal—residing in the illegally operated hostel. Following the incident, the district administration transported all affected students to a hospital. While most are in stable condition, one critically ill student has been referred to a higher medical facility.
Meghalaya officials remain in constant communication with the Mandya District Magistrate, who has assured full support. Nodal officers have been appointed to oversee medical care for the affected students.
Inspector of Schools P. Sunn and Sub-Divisional School Education Officer R. Kharsyntiew have been deputed to Karnataka to coordinate with the local administration, assist parents, and submit a detailed report, according to Swapnil Tembe, Director of School Education and Literacy.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed his deepest condolences to Sunday Kerlang’s family on social media.
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