An LKG student in a private school at Uthangarai drowned in a septic tank of the school on Friday afternoon.
The police said V. Malathy (3), daughter of Venkatesan, fell into the partially-opened septic tank while playing with other students during recess around 3.30 p.m. Her brother V. Praveen (5) is also studying in the same school.
The school authorities informed the police and the Fire and Rescue Services Department.
They fished out the body from the tank. It was sent to the Uthangarai Government Hospital for post-mortem.
On hearing about the incident, parents of the child and others rushed to the school and demanded immediate closure of the institution and arrest of persons responsible for the incident.
Uthangarai Deputy Superintendent of Police A. Kannappan rushed to the spot and conducted an inquiry.
School correspondent S. Stephen Doss, principal S. Mercy, administrative officer G. Prabhakaran and hostel warden R. Ramesh have been arrested. C. Prakasam, District Revenue Officer, told The Hindu that he pacified the agitated parents and assured them of severe action against those responsible for the incident. The school would remain closed as usual on Saturday.
A decision to open it on Monday would be taken after an assessment of the situation on Sunday, the DRO said.
When contacted, Chief Education Officer S. Suganya said that the school was under the control of the Inspector of Matriculation Schools, Salem.
Since he was on leave, she was rushing to the school to verify whether the school is recognised by the government and safety measures had been followed by the school authorities.
A report would be sent to the government.
