Thiruvananthapuram: In a shocking incident, a Class 7 student of Government Upper Primary School in Chenkal was bitten by a venomous snake inside her classroom. Education Minister V Sivankutty has ordered an investigation into the matter and directed the Director of General Education to submit a detailed report.

Neha (12), a resident of Mekon, suffered the snakebite on her leg while attending Christmas celebrations at the school on Friday. When the child complained of leg pain, teachers examined her and discovered a bite mark. Upon inspecting the classroom, staff found a venomous snake, which they subsequently killed.

Neha was immediately taken to a nearby primary health centre and later shifted to the Government General Hospital. As her condition remained critical, she was moved to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday morning.

Sources at the Government Medical College Hospital have confirmed that Neha's condition is now improving. Witnesses identified the snake as a 'Churutta' (hump-nosed pit viper), a venomous species.

It is alleged that the incident occurred due to the negligence of school authorities in clearing the thickets and grass around the school compound.