The situation in Michaiya has turned tense after the death of a school student in Mirchaiya-3 of Siraha district due to the negligence of the school administration.

Srinja Kumari Mahara, 16, a student of Sagarmatha Higher Secondary School, who fell ill after mistakenly drinking 'spirit' instead of water at school, died during treatment.

She died at Phulbari Memorial Hospital at midnight Saturday while undergoing treatment, according to DSP Hari Bahadur Oli of the Area Police Office, Mirchaiya.

Angry students and parents vandalized the school after the death of the student. During the protest, the crowd blocked the East-West Highway and shouted slogans demanding action against the school. Chief District Officer (CDO) Lalbabu Kabari informed Republica that three rounds of tear gas shells and five rounds of bullets were fired in the air to disperse the angry protestors.

Father of the deceased Dharmendra Mahara accused the school principal Pradeep Tiwari of sending Srinja home instead of treating her as she fell ill after drinking the spirit. By the time the family members rushed her to the hospital, it was too late.

Another student, who happens to be the daughter of school teacher Ambika Lamsal, also fell ill when she drank the spirit instead of water after she had a normal stomach ache last Friday.

"Principal sir said that she got intoxicated because she drank a little spirit and that she would get better after sleeping for a while," DSP Oli said.

Two people taken into custody by police

The police have arrested Ambika Lamsal, the teacher who administered the medicine, and Pradeep Tiwari, the principal.

Dharmendra Mahara, the father of the deceased, has lodged a complaint with the police demanding action against the accused. After filing a complaint, the police detained both of them for investigation.

DSP Oli said that an investigation into the incident is underway. "The school has also admitted its mistake. We are investigating how the girl ended up drinking spirit," he said.