The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the tragic death of seven-year-old Dipanwita Paul, a Class II student of Kshudiram Basu English Medium School in Agartala, allegedly caused by gross negligence on the part of school authorities. The Commission has issued a notice to the Director of School Education, directing him to submit a detailed report by December 26.

In an order issued by THRC Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh, it was stated that students were made to stand in the open school field under intense sunlight during an event organized to observe the Vande Bharat programme. 

Despite repeatedly informing her teachers that she was feeling unwell, Dipanwita—who was visibly in distress—was allegedly forced to remain in line under the scorching heat. Shockingly, teachers reportedly covered their own heads to shield themselves but did not allow the students to do the same.

Dipanwita collapsed during the programme and was rushed to GB Hospital, where she battled for her life for eleven days before passing away on Tuesday. Her father, Debashish Paul—an auto driver from the Vidyasagar area of Jogendranagar—said that the school authorities neither showed concern during his daughter’s treatment nor visited the hospital. Dipanwita was his only child.

Taking serious note of the incident, the Commission termed it a grave violation of children’s human rights, pointing to the denial of basic care and humane treatment. The THRC has initiated the case on its own motion.

A copy of the order, along with related newspaper clippings, has been sent to the Director of School Education, Government of Tripura, seeking a comprehensive report on the incident and the actions taken so far. The Commission has instructed that the report be submitted within fifteen days of receiving the order. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on December 26, 2025.