Class 8 girl student dies at hostel in Rayagada; family alleges negligence by school authorities

A Class VIII girl residing in a hostel run by the ST & SC Development Department in Odisha’s Rayagada district died on Monday night, triggering allegations of negligence against school authorities.

The incident occurred at the Government Higher Secondary School in Ambadala, where the student, identified as Mita (name changed), was staying in the hostel while pursuing her studies. Mita was a native of a village under the jurisdiction of Ambadala police station.

According to reports, Mita suddenly fell ill on Monday night. School authorities took her to the Ambadala Primary Health Centre for treatment. However, doctors declared her dead before admission.

While the exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained, her family members have alleged negligence on the part of the headmaster and school authorities. They claimed that despite their home being located barely three kilometres from the hostel, they were not informed about their daughter’s illness.

Family Alleges Lack Of Intimation

Mita’s father alleged that when he and his wife went to the school after learning that their daughter was unwell, they were not allowed to meet her. He claimed that the headmaster told them permission was required. The parents further alleged that their daughter had been ill for the past four days, but the school authorities did not inform them. According to them, they were contacted only after her death and were asked to visit the hospital as their daughter was sick.

Following the incident, tension prevailed near the hospital premises, with locals demanding compensation for the family and action against the headmaster.

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Reports indicate that some villagers had earlier raised concerns and complaints against the headmaster and other teachers. Allegations have also surfaced that the Rayagada Welfare official overseeing the inquiry attempted to suppress the investigation.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations.