VASCO
Tension prevailed at Baina on Sunday when the Principal and a teacher of Deepvihar Higher Secondary School visited the residence of deceased Class XI student Rahul Bind to offer condolences to his grieving parents, nearly two days after the 16-year-old allegedly died during a school trekking activity at a waterfall in Sattari taluka. The school representatives arrived accompanied by police personnel, reportedly apprehending that the situation could turn tense. Their fears appeared justified as the visit led to an emotional confrontation, with several residents gathering outside the house and questioning the representatives over their visit.
The grieving parents were visibly upset and refused to accept the condolences. They questioned why the school representatives had come only now, alleging that they had received no proper response when they were desperately trying to contact the school after learning that something had gone wrong during the trekking activity.
According to the family, they had been running from pillar to post to obtain information about their son and ascertain his whereabouts and condition, only to later learn that Rahul had already died during the trek. The parents questioned the school representatives over the circumstances surrounding the incident and demanded accountability from those responsible.
The situation grew increasingly tense as residents from the area gathered at the spot and confronted the Principal and teacher. The representatives attempted to speak to the grieving parents with folded hands, but the family said they did not want condolences and instead demanded strict action against those responsible for the circumstances that allegedly led to Rahul’s death.
The parents said they plan to meet Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and seek the constitution of a committee to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident. They said the inquiry should examine the roles of the teachers, headmistress, school management, tour operators and others allegedly involved in organising and conducting the trekking activity.
The family also urged the Chief Minister to treat Rahul’s death as a serious warning and introduce stricter rules and safety safeguards for school activities and educational tours. They said no other family should have to suffer the loss of a child due to alleged negligence or lapses in safety arrangements.
Rahul Bind, a 16-year-old Class XI Science student, allegedly died during a trekking activity organised by Deepvihar HSS at a waterfall in Sattari taluka.
The incident has sparked anger among his family and local residents, with demands for accountability, a detailed investigation and stronger safety protocols for school-organised activities.
