A seven year old student has died after developing a high fever at a residential ashram school in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, prompting authorities to launch a comprehensive health screening drive across the institution. The Class 1 student at the Maswan ashram school reportedly developed a high fever on August 22 and was initially taken to a local Primary Health Centre for treatment. When his fever returned on Monday, he was shifted to the Rural Hospital in Manor after doctors noticed that his oxygen levels were falling. He was later declared dead. The exact cause of death is expected to be established through the post mortem report. Following the student's death, authorities conducted health checks of students at the school. Thirty students showing symptoms including cold, cough and fever have been kept under medical observation at different healthcare facilities in the district.

Officials said the students are currently stable and out of danger. Medical teams have collected blood, serum and throat swab samples from students for laboratory testing. Water samples from the school premises have also been collected and sent for examination as authorities attempt to determine whether an infection or another environmental factor could be linked to the illnesses. The school has 449 enrolled students, including around 395 residential students. Officials have also reviewed the institution's drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and medical response arrangements following the incident. The incident has also prompted administrative action. The school superintendent was suspended for alleged negligence, while the Food and Drug Administration inspected the school kitchen and collected food and grocery samples for laboratory analysis. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to examine the circumstances surrounding the student's death, the health complaints among students and the functioning of the school.

Authorities are now awaiting laboratory and medical reports to determine the possible source of the illness. Officials have stressed that the immediate priority is to monitor the affected students and prevent any further health complications. The development has also renewed concerns over health and safety arrangements at residential schools for tribal students in Maharashtra. Local representatives have called for better medical facilities, clean drinking water, adequate nutrition and improved infrastructure at such institutions. For now, the administration is continuing health surveillance at the school, while the investigation into the student's death and the illnesses affecting other students remains underway.