Hyderabad: The death of 16-year-old student Ch Sailaja due to alleged food poisoning at the Govt Ashram High School for Girls in Wankidi, Kumarambheem Asifabad district, has led to widespread protests in Wankidi. Student organisations have demanded that the family of Sailaja be paid an ex gratia of 50 lakh, a govt job for one of the family members, and a house for the family. A bandh was observed in Wankidi on Wednesday.
On Oct 30, nearly 60 students were rushed to hospitals after they complained of stomach ache and weakness at the hostel. Sailaja, a class 9 student, was admitted to a private hospital in Mancherial and later shifted to NIMS in Hyderabad on Nov 5. After being on ventilator support for 21 days, she succumbed on Nov 25. After the post-mortem examination the following day, the body was taken to her village Dhaba in Wankidi mandal, where her last rites were performed as police tightened security to prevent protestors from reaching the place.
For the last four days, various student unions and organisations have taken to the roads to demand that the family of Sailaja be given compensation. The govt has, however, not announced any compensation to the family, even as student organisations have threatened to intensify their stir. Sailaja’s parents, Tukaram and Meerabhai, also have a son.
