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Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao has expressed deep anguish over the tragic death of Varshita, a 10th-class student of the Government Gurukul School at Vangara. Calling the incident “heartbreaking and shameful,” he criticised the Congress government in Telangana, alleging that the tragedy reflected its “apathy and lack of accountability.” According to reports, Varshita, a school topper and captain who was recently felicitated by the District Collector for her academic excellence, allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room. The incident occurred barely an hour after she called her parents, reportedly to complain about harassment by the school principal and vice-principal. Sources said the student had earlier exposed the administrators for allegedly misappropriating school supplies, which may have led to retaliatory behaviour and mental distress. KTR expresses shock and grief In a statement on Sunday, Rama Rao extended his condolences to Varshita’s bereaved family and said her death was an indictment of the State’s failure to protect students in residential institutions. “The incident is heartbreaking and shameful. It is a reflection of the Congress government’s apathy towards students’ safety and wellbeing,” KTR said, demanding immediate action against those responsible. He noted that Gurukul schools, which once had a reputation for excellence and inclusivity, had deteriorated sharply over the past two years under the Congress administration. Over 100 student deaths reported in two years KTR alleged that the mismanagement of Telangana’s Gurukul education system had resulted in the deaths of more than 100 students in the past two years. “Gurukul schools that once did exceedingly well have fallen apart in just two years. Over 100 children have died, yet the government shows zero empathy and zero accountability,” he said. He also accused the State government of ignoring repeated warnings and appeals from parents, teachers, and opposition leaders regarding poor supervision, lack of infrastructure, and alleged staff misconduct in residential schools. Calls for immediate accountability Rama Rao urged the State Education Department to conduct an impartial inquiry into Varshita’s death and ensure that the guilty are punished swiftly. He also demanded that the government provide financial assistance and counselling to the victim’s family and other students traumatised by the incident. “The Chief Minister must step in personally. The education system cannot continue to fail our children like this. Accountability must start at the top,” he said. Background of the Gurukul system Telangana’s Gurukul schools, which cater primarily to students from marginalised and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, were once considered a model of quality education and holistic development. However, in recent years, concerns have been raised about deteriorating conditions, overworked staff, and inadequate monitoring. Opposition parties, including the BRS, have repeatedly blamed the ruling Congress government for neglecting these institutions and failing to safeguard students’ welfare. Widespread outrage and investigation demand The death of Varshita has sparked widespread anger among parents, student unions, and social activists, who have demanded a thorough probe and systemic reforms. Protests were reported near the school premises, with demonstrators calling for the suspension of the principal and vice-principal pending investigation. Police have registered a case and begun inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. Officials stated that the autopsy report would help determine the exact cause. As the investigation continues, calls for accountability and better oversight of Gurukul schools are growing louder across the State, with many demanding that no student should have to face such circumstances again.
