The headmaster and three other teachers of Budhapara Upgrade High School under Boden block in Nuapada district were placed under suspension in connection with the death of a Class 3 boy student on Monday.
The district education officer (DEO) has suspended headmaster Rajendra Joshi and assistant teachers Kishore Sahu, Hingula Majhi and Lochan Behera for dereliction of duty.
Yesterday, villagers had locked up the teachers after a student of the school drowned in a nearby canal. The deceased student has been identified as Keshab Jagat. He was a Class III student of the school.
As per reports, Keshab went to take bath in the canal nearby the school along with some students after the interval. However, he drowned in the canal while bathing. Later, his body was rescued by local people.
Tension prevailed in the area after the incident. Irate villagers allegedly locked up as many as four teachers of the school inside a classroom of the school for six hours by holding them responsible for the death of the boy. They also demanded the suspension of the teachers, Rs 4 lakh as compensation and a job to the family members of the deceased student.
“We have suspended four teachers for neglect in duty. Students should not be allowed to roam outside the school during the school hour. New teachers will be deputed in the school soon,” said Nuapada District Education Officer (DEO) Karunakar Bhue.