Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the death of a student during a school excursion. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has instructed the committee to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a detailed report within 15 days.
On February 25, students from an NMMC school visited Imagica Adventure Park in Khopoli as part of an educational trip. Tragically, Ayush Dharmendra Singh, a 13-year-old eighth-grade student from the Ghansoli Municipal School, passed away during the excursion. The incident has sparked controversy, with parents and political groups questioning the planning and execution of the trip.
Criticism has mounted over alleged violations of government regulations, as school trips are subject to specific guidelines regarding destinations. The trip was also scheduled during the ongoing annual examinations, raising further concerns. Political parties have condemned the municipal administration, with some even staging a ‘shoe protest’ outside the NMMC headquarters, demanding the removal of the municipal deputy education commissioner and education officer.
Initially, the municipal administration attributed the student’s death to a heart attack. However, in response to the growing outrage, the commissioner has now ordered a formal investigation.
Inquiry Committee Members:
- Dr. Rahul Gethe (Additional Commissioner 2) – Chairman
- Sharad Pawar (Deputy Commissioner) – Member Secretary
- Bhagwat Doifode (Deputy Commissioner) – Member
Amidst the controversy, NMMC has canceled all upcoming school trips to Imagica with immediate effect. The findings of the inquiry committee will determine any further action against those responsible for the incident.
