Fadnavis Orders School Licence Cancelled After 3 Girls Die Of Snake Bite In Japtalai

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on August 11, 2026, ordered the permanent cancellation of the licence of a residential tribal school in Japtalai, located in Dhanora taluka of Gadchiroli district, after three schoolgirls died from snake bites. Fadnavis also directed that the official who previously inspected the school and submitted a report be placed under suspension.

The incident took place in the intervening night between August 9 and August 10, 2026, approximately between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., at the government-aided residential school for girls. Five girls were bitten by a snake while sleeping on the floor in a large hall inside the school premises, which houses a total of 233 students.

Following the bites, three girls died from their injuries. As of August 11, a 14-year-old girl remained in critical condition under treatment, while an 11-year-old girl was in stable condition, according to district health officials. Several other students who experienced panic and symptoms such as stomach aches and vomiting were admitted to the hospital and later discharged after being stabilized, confirmed Dr. Pratap Shinde, District Health Officer, Gadchiroli.

During a Cabinet meeting on August 11, Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted severe administrative lapses at the institution, stating that the school had no teachers or wardens present and failed to provide basic facilities despite receiving government aid. The local administration confirmed it was in the process of issuing a formal notice regarding the licence cancellation.

Maharashtra Tribal Affairs Minister Ashok Uike stated during the meeting that strict action must be taken against the private organisation running the school. The Chief Minister also emphasized that government inspections must properly cover residential schools located in interior areas, rather than focusing only on those along main roads.

The tragedy sparked political reactions across the state. Opposition leaders criticized the government, with NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar describing the incident as a murder by the system and demanding culpable homicide charges against those responsible. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also raised questions over the incident. In response, the BJP stated that the school was operated by an organisation owned by Congress leader Marotrao Kowase, a former three-term MLA and one-term MP.