Maharashtra Chief Minister Orders Tribal School License Cancellation After Snake Bite Deaths
Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the permanent cancellation of a tribal residential school's license after three girls died from snake bites. An official who previously inspected the school faces suspension.
Key takeaways
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the permanent cancellation of a tribal residential school's license.
- Three girls died from snake bites at the school located in Japtalai, Dhanora taluka.
- An official who previously inspected the school has been ordered to be suspended.
- The school, which had 233 students, reportedly lacked teachers and wardens and provided no facilities.
- The incident occurred between August 9 and August 10, 2026.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the permanent cancellation of the license for a tribal residential school where three girls died following snake bites. The announcement was made on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, with the administration in the process of issuing a formal notice.
In addition to cancelling the school's license, Chief Minister Fadnavis also ordered the suspension of the official who had previously inspected the school and submitted a report. During a Cabinet meeting on the same day, Maharashtra Tribal Affairs Minister Ashok Uike reportedly stated that strict action should be taken against the private organization receiving government funds to operate the residential school for tribal girls.
The Chief Minister is understood to have highlighted during the meeting the necessity for thorough inspections of tribal residential schools, particularly those located in interior areas rather than solely focusing on schools along main roads. He noted that the school in question lacked both teachers and a warden, and that no facilities were provided despite the receipt of government aid.
Of the five girls bitten by a snake, a 14-year-old remains in critical condition under treatment, while an 11-year-old is reported to be stable, according to district health officials. Several other girls experienced symptoms such as stomach aches and vomiting due to fear. These girls were admitted and subsequently discharged after their condition stabilized, as confirmed by Dr. Pratap Shinde, District Health Officer, Gadchiroli.
The incident occurred on the night of August 9 to August 10, between approximately 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., at the girls' residential tribal school in Japtalai, Dhanora taluka. Twenty-three girls were sleeping on the floor of a large hall at the time. The total student enrollment at the school is 233.
Opposition parties have criticized the government, calling for the perpetrators to be charged with culpable homicide and labeling the event a "murder by the system." The BJP indicated that the school was operated by an organization associated with Congress leader Marotrao Kowase.
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