The case of four-year-old Vaibhav Sathe, who died due to an alleged snake bite in March 2018, has reached the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC). The commission has issued summons to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone 10, directing a personal inquiry into the matter and submission of a fact-finding report.
The case highlights a contradiction in opinions between the police and medical officers. While the police classified the death as accidental, medical officers opined that it was caused by a bite from a snake or scorpion. To clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident, the SHRC has also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Education to submit a reply through an affidavit.
According to the details, Vaibhav Sathe was playing in the BMC-run school premises while waiting for his elder sister’s class to finish when he was allegedly bitten by a poisonous reptile. The incident occurred on March 20, 2018. The child was rushed to Holy Spirit Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
The death certificate stated that the child died due to “cardiorespiratory arrest, raised intracranial tension, sepsis, and a history of unknown bite (suspected scorpion bite).” The certificate clearly indicated the possibility of a bite from a scorpion or snake.
After the incident was reported by local media, RTI activist Laxmandutt Pant filed a complaint with the SHRC, seeking justice for the bereavedfamily. Speaking to Free Press Journal, Laxmandutt said, “When you read the news reports, it becomes clear that the condition of the BMC-run school, located in Marol Police Camp and surrounded by dense forest, was extremely poor. The school grounds had several rat holes, and yet such a place was being used to run a school.”
He also raised concerns over the lack of emergency medical arrangements at the school. “There was no well-equipped ambulance available on standby. Had there been one present at the time of the incident, the chances of the child’s survival could have increased. That is why I have taken the matter to the SHRC—to ensure the family receives justice,” he said.
The matter has been posted for hearing on May 28, by which time the authorities have been directed to file their responses.
