Tashkent Schoolboy Hospitalized After Swallowing Metal Bracelet

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A third-grade student at School No. 151 in Tashkent’s Yashnabad district was hospitalized in intensive care after his mother said two other students forcibly made him swallow a metal magnetic bracelet.

The Children’s Ombudsman and law enforcement authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident, the Children’s Ombudsman said.

According to the boy’s mother, the incident occurred near the school toilet. Two students approached her son, but she was unable to identify them. She said they threatened him and, despite his resistance, forced him to put the metal bracelet in his mouth and swallow it.

The boy did not immediately tell his parents what had happened because he was afraid of the other students. He was taken to hospital after experiencing severe pain. Doctors discovered the metal object during an X-ray examination, after which the boy told them what had happened at school.

According to his mother, the bracelet broke into several pieces inside the boy’s body and began to oxidize. Doctors performed emergency surgery that lasted about three hours. The foreign object damaged the intestine in six places, requiring doctors to remove about five centimeters of the damaged section.

After surgery, the boy was transferred to intensive care. His mother said doctors expect him to remain there for another four to five days. Meanwhile, the Tashkent Department of Preschool and School Education said the child’s condition was satisfactory and that he was receiving the necessary medical care.

The boy’s mother spoke about the incident on social media, posting a video appeal. She urged parents to pay attention to the problem of violence among children and issues related to their upbringing. She also said she was shocked by what happened and had nearly lost her child.

The Children’s Ombudsman confirmed the incident. Representatives of the office visited the school and are examining the circumstances directly on site. The situation is under special control.

The investigation is examining, among other issues, whether adequate measures were in place to ensure students’ safety and whether the child’s rights may have been violated. The Children’s Ombudsman said it would monitor the case until all circumstances are established and the necessary measures are taken.

The district police department is conducting a preliminary inquiry into the incident. Additional information will be provided following the investigation.