Class 10 student killed, over 20 injured: DEO seeks stringent action against HM, SP promises inquiry

A Class 10 student was killed while over 20 of his schoolmates were rendered critical after a pick-up van ferrying them to a parade ground on Republic Day met with a tragic road mishap in Cuttack. The shocking incident has triggered outrage among parents and guardians of the students who demanded stringent action in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Cuttack District Education Officer (DEO) sought strict action against the headmaster of Malabiharpur High School and wrote a letter to the Director of Secondary Education. 

In a letter, the DEO stated that the headmaster of the school, Kanhu Chanran Sahoo, after the flag hoisting programme in the school authorised 25 students of classes 8 to 10 to travel by a commercial pick-up van to Saranda parade ground. P.E.T Puspalata Sahoo was escorting the students in her vehicle.

Unfortunately, for some reason, the pick-up vehicle met with an accident and around 25 students were severely injured in the accident. All the injured were first rushed to Athagarh Primary Health Care Centre. After preliminary treatment, nine students with severe injuries were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Unfortunately, one of the injured students later succumbed to his injuries. The incident on an auspicious day like Republic Day has caused outrage in the area. The students were too happy and were going to attend the parade when tragedy struck. 

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“Due to gross negligence in duties committed on the part of the headmaster, stringent action as deemed proper may be initiated against him,” the DEO’s letter read.

Meanwhile, SP informed that an inquiry would be initiated regarding why the students were being sent to the parade ground.