Kerala child rights panel opens suo motu case after school games roof collapse

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has registered a suo motu case to investigate lapses in safety and child protection measures at the State School Games held in Thrissur, following a roof collapse that left students and parents injured.

The commission has issued directives to the state education department, police authorities, and child protection officials to submit comprehensive reports detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident and any failures in ensuring adequate safety measures at the sporting event.

The roof collapse, which occurred during the games, has raised serious questions about venue safety standards and the adequacy of precautions taken to protect the large number of children and parents present at the event. The incident prompted the commission to take cognizance of the matter and examine whether proper safety protocols were followed.

The suo motu action underscores growing concerns about child safety at public events and educational institutions across Kerala. Officials are expected to provide detailed accounts of the structural condition of the venue, emergency preparedness measures, and any prior warnings about potential hazards that may have gone unheeded.

The commission's investigation is expected to recommend corrective measures to prevent similar incidents at future school events and competitions in the state.