Class V student found dead in Nayagarh well, villagers block road seeking justice

The mutilated body of a 10-year-old Class V student, who had gone missing a day earlier, was recovered from an abandoned well in Belapada village under Gania police station limits in Nayagarh district on Wednesday morning, triggering widespread outrage in the area.

The deceased has been identified as the son of Bijay Mallik, a student of the local primary school. According to family members, the child went missing on Tuesday afternoon after returning home from school. He reportedly stepped out after the midday meal, saying he was going for a washroom break, but failed to return. A search was launched by the family and villagers, which continued through the night.

The body was discovered early Wednesday inside an unused well located a short distance from the village. Family members alleged that the child was murdered and the body was dumped at the spot. Following the recovery, angry villagers and relatives placed the body on the road and blocked the Daspalla–Kantilo road at Gania Chhak, demanding immediate action and justice.

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Villagers raised serious allegations against the school authorities, claiming that some students were restricted from using toilet facilities, forcing children to go to nearby fields. They also alleged that the child belonged to a marginalised community and said complaints regarding the ill-treatment of students had been raised earlier.

Police officials, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The body has been sent for postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Police have launched a detailed investigation and said all angles are being examined. Further action will be taken based on the postmortem report and findings of the probe.