NHRC issues notice after three girls die of snakebite at Gadchiroli residential school

The human rights commission observed that the incident raises serious concerns regarding the alleged violation of students’ human rights and a lack of basic facilities at the hostel

Updated - August 14, 2026 05:50 pm IST - New Delhi

A statement from the NHRC, quoting a media report, said Gadchiroli records a significant number of snakebite cases every year. File. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday (August 14, 2026) issued a notice to the Maharashtra government after taking suo motu cognisance of the death of three tribal girls from snakebite inside their hostel in Gadchiroli district.

The incident took place early on Monday (August 10, 2026) in the hostel of a tribal residential school. The snake bit six students, who were sleeping on the floor allegedly because of a shortage of cots. The three surviving students are undergoing treatment at a hospital.

A day after the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered that the licence of the school be cancelled permanently.

The hostel has reportedly been functioning for around 25 years. A statement from the NHRC, quoting a media report, said Gadchiroli records a significant number of snakebite cases every year.

Observing that the incident raises serious concerns regarding the alleged violation of students’ human rights and a lack of basic facilities at the hostel, the NHRC issued a notice to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, directing the State government to submit a detailed report within two weeks. The report is also expected to provide the current health status of the three students undergoing treatment in hospital.

Published - August 14, 2026 05:47 pm IST

human rights / education / school / Maharashtra

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