20 missing Odisha govt school students found near reservoir, parents blame authorities

A tense situation unfolded in Koraput after 20 students of Lankaput Government High School were reported missing from their hostel. The students were later found about 10 kilometres away, near the Kolab Reservoir, bringing immense relief to anxious parents and school authorities.

Parents rushed to the spot upon receiving information, rescued their children, and returned them safely to the hostel. However, the reason behind the students leaving the hostel remains unclear, raising serious concerns about their safety and supervision.

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Parents Blame School Authorities, Demand Probe

Following the incident, parents strongly criticised the school authorities, holding them responsible for negligence. They have demanded a proper inquiry into how such a large group of students managed to leave the hostel unnoticed.

The seriousness of the situation prompted Koraput BDO and the District Education Officer (DEO) to visit the location. They interacted with the students to understand the circumstances leading up to their disappearance.

Koraput BDO Debashis Gouda stated that the students are in good health. He added that the exact reason for them leaving the hostel will be known only after counselling sessions are conducted.

While the safe recovery of all 20 students has brought relief, the incident has exposed potential lapses in hostel monitoring and student welfare. As the inquiry proceeds, parents and authorities alike await clarity on what led the children to leave the hostel and walk 10 kilometres to the reservoir.