Agartala, July 24, 2024: Tripura’s Khowai English Medium School is once again in the spotlight following a tragic incident involving a third-grade student. A nine-year-old Sarika Debbarma, a student of the morning section fell ill at school on Tuesday and later died at GB Hospital. The incident has spread shock and grief across the Khowai district.

The school’s teachers recounted the events leading up to Sarika’s sudden illness. Pradip Nath, an observer conducting a survey had all third-grade students assembled in a classroom for individual interviews. Sarika complained of a headache to her classmate, Alia Debbarma who offered her water. Shortly after, Sarika vomited and her condition rapidly deteriorated.

A teacher was alerted and Sarika was promptly taken to Khowai District Hospital in a tomtom, a local mode of transport. Her father, Sajal Debbarma, was informed after numerous attempts to reach him.

Sarika was admitted to the hospital under the care of district doctors and later shifted to the ICU at GB Hospital in Agartala city upon her father’s request. Despite the medical efforts, Sarika’s condition worsened, and she passed away late Tuesday night.

The school’s teachers were in constant communication with Sajal Debbarma, who was distraught and unable to provide clarity on what might have caused Sarika’s sudden illness. The teachers assured that no incident had occurred at school that could have led to her condition.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to determine the exact cause of Sarika’s death. Meanwhile, the school community is enveloped in mourning. Sarika Debbarma, who lived in Shiv Durga Kobra Para, Kamalghat area in West Tripura district, was beloved by her classmates and teachers.

The untimely demise of Sarika has cast a pall over Khowai English Medium School, leaving everyone in deep sorrow.