Jaipur School Canteen Death: Class 12 Student Dies, Operator and Administrator Detained

Jaipur: A 17-year-old Class 12 student died under suspicious circumstances on Wednesday after allegedly consuming a patty from the canteen of a private school in the Jhotwara area. The deceased has been identified as Prince Soni, a student of Maharana Pratap School near Kanta Chauraha. Rajasthan Police have registered a case and detained the school's operator, Amit Kumawat, and administrator, Rajendra Kumar, for questioning, officials said.

According to the family, the incident occurred around 11 am during the lunch break. Prince reportedly fell unconscious after his health deteriorated. The family alleged that a spoiled and oily patty purchased from the school canteen became stuck in his throat, and that the school administration failed to provide timely medical assistance.

A relative, Ravi Kumar, said the family reached the school at approximately 11:45 am, but Prince had still not been taken to a hospital. Instead, the administration allegedly asked them to arrange a four-wheeler. The father, Amit Soni, said the family eventually rushed him to a nearby private hospital. Doctors there referred him to Manipal Hospital, where he was declared dead.

The family accused the school management, principal, and staff of gross negligence, alleging that the institution lacked adequate first-aid and medical facilities. They claimed that if Prince had been taken to the nearby hospital immediately or a 108 ambulance had been called, his life might have been saved. They also accused the administration of withholding information about the incident.

Notably, a hospital is located barely 100 metres from the school, according to relatives. The family's allegations have raised questions about emergency preparedness at the institution.

Following the incident, Jhotwara police reached the school and sent the body to Kanwatia Hospital mortuary. After a post-mortem examination on Thursday morning, the body was handed over to the family.

The incident sparked anger in the local community. Shopkeepers from the Swarnkar community at Brijbal Crossing shut their shops in protest, while hundreds of people gathered outside the school demanding action against those responsible. The protest remained peaceful, and police were deployed to maintain order.

Police said the allegations regarding the patty, the cause of death, and the school's alleged negligence remain subject to investigation and post-mortem findings. A senior officer said a thorough probe is underway, and appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings. Further details are awaited.

This tragedy highlights broader concerns about food safety and emergency medical protocols in educational institutions. Schools are expected to maintain hygienic canteens and have clear procedures for handling medical emergencies. The investigation in this case will determine whether lapses occurred and whether the school failed in its duty of care towards students.