Grief in Kollam: Kerala student Midhun cremated after electrocution tragedy

The cremation of Midhun, the 13-year-old student who died on Thursday after being electrocuted at Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kerala’s Kollam district, was held in the compound of his family home at Sasthamkotta. Hundreds gathered to bid him a tearful farewell.

His parents, Suja and Manu, gave him a final kiss, while his younger brother Sujin performed the last rites and lit the pyre.

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Midhun’s mother, Suja, who was working in Kuwait and had been on vacation in Turkey with her employer’s family, arrived early Saturday morning.

Overcome with grief, she broke down upon seeing her son’s body, a moment that moved even the most stoic among the mourners. Suja had left for Kuwait just three months ago in search of work, hoping to support her family and repay mounting debts after their home and land were foreclosed.

Earlier in the day, Midhun’s body was placed at his school for public viewing. Teachers, classmates, and local residents gathered to pay their respects.

It was not a typical Saturday morning at Thevalakkara Boys High School. The air was thick with sorrow as Midhun’s body was brought into the school where he once dreamt of a brighter future.

Students and staff stood in solemn silence, many unable to hold back tears. His classmates, who had studied and played with him just two days before, were inconsolable at the sight of their friend lying still.

Suja arrived at Nedumbassery Airport from Kuwait on Saturday morning, where she was received by her sister and younger son. As she exited the terminal clutching Sujin, she collapsed in anguish.

Just days earlier, she had been in Turkey, hopeful for her family’s future. But that hope was shattered when, late Thursday night, she received the devastating news via a video call.

Midhun died on Thursday morning after coming into contact with a low-hanging power line. The incident occurred around 8:30 am., just before school began.

While playing with friends, Midhun’s slipper fell onto the roof of the school’s cycle shed. As he attempted to retrieve it, he accidentally touched an overhead electric wire. Though he was rushed to a government hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.