New Delhi: Two Delhi schools, at opposite ends of the spectrum, are in the dock for allegedly responding poorly to a medical emergency that led death of two young girls.
How similar or different are the two cases?
Eleven-year-old Shanno, a student of a government school in Bawana, and 18-year-old Akriti, who studied in one of Delhi's top schools.
Says Shanno's mother Rihana Khatoun: "My dream is shattered. Even though we are poor, I sent her to school with the hope that she'll do something in life."
Shanno, the daughter of a rickshaw puller died after she was allegedly beaten by her teacher and made to stand in the sun for hours.
Now, her shattered parents have decided to pull out their two other children from school.
"If one has to die for studying then better stay illiterate," Rihana says.
Shanno's mother insists that the school failed to act when her daughter collapsed.
Far away in south Delhi, similar allegations are being made.
Akriti, a Class 12 student of Modern school, died on her way to the hospital after a severe asthma attack. Her parents and friends say the school delayed in arranging help.
"The principal has killed Akriti and she knows it," says a relative.
The families of Shanno and Akriti are now joined by a common cause -- justice for their daughters.
Says Rihana: "Teacher must be arrested."
Vipin Bhatia, Aakriti's father, says: "Why is the principal not resigning?"