17 student deaths reported in residential schools in three years

The highest number of accidental deaths was reported in Kolar district, while two were reported from Belagavi.

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As many as 17 student deaths, including four suicides in government schools, have been reported in the State over the last three years.According to a reply by Social Welfare Minister K.H. Muniyappa to a question from Congress member K. Shivakumar in the Legislative Council, of the 17 students, four died by suicide, nine died in accidents, and four died due to medical reasons.The highest number of accidental deaths was reported in Kolar district, while two were reported from Belagavi.One case of suicide each was reported in Tumakuru, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru and Kalaburagi. The schools are managed by the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KRIES).Of the nine accidental deaths, two students died due to electrocution and four due to drowning at Murudeshwar beach. One student died in an accident, one drowned in a canal while swimming, and another died after a fall near the hostel.Of the four students who died due to medical reasons, two children studying in classes 8 and 9 in Belagavi died of cardiac arrest and a heart attack, respectively. One class 9 student in Mandya died of a heart attack. Urging the government to take steps to prevent suicides and accidental deaths, the member said the deaths reported in residential schools reflected the condition of the institutions. He suggested that periodic health check-ups be conducted to assess the health of students. Published - August 24, 2026 08:31 pm IST