Minor student found hanging inside hostel room in Cuttack, family alleges foul play

The death of a minor student at a private residential coaching centre on Monday in Odisha’s Cuttack district triggered serious allegations from the family. 

The family reportedly accused the institution’s authorities of murder linked to a dispute over fees. The incident occurred in Salepur, prompting a police investigation.

The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash Sethi, a resident of Mundilo village in Kendrapara district. He was residing at a private coaching centre located on Shishu Mandir Road in Salepur town and was pursuing his first year of the Plus 2 Science stream.

Body Found Hanging Inside Hostel Room

According to information, the student was found hanging inside his room at the coaching centre on Monday. He was immediately rushed to the Salepur Community Health Centre (CHC), where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Following the incident, the family alleged that Om Prakash died much earlier than when they were informed and claimed that there were discrepancies in the information provided by the coaching centre authorities.

Police officials said the circumstances surrounding the death are being examined to determine whether it was a case of suicide or if there was any other involvement.

Family Alleges Dispute Over Fees

The mother of the deceased, Mamata Sethi, alleged foul play and linked her son’s death to a previous dispute over payment at the coaching centre. She claimed that the family had already paid the required amount, but the authorities later denied receiving it.

“They killed my son. My son had died much earlier, but we were informed much later. Three people said the money had been paid, but the authorities claimed it was not. I had argued with them over this. Two people misappropriated my son’s payment, and that is why they killed him,” she alleged.

Parents Seek Justice

The student’s father, Deepak Sethi, said the family was informed about their son’s condition only shortly before they arrived at the centre.

“He was a Plus Two Science student and was staying at the hostel here. We received a call about half an hour earlier saying his health was not good. When we reached, we found our son dead,” he said.

He further added, “We suspect that the institute authorities killed our son over money. They had taken the payment but were claiming they had not received it. My wife had also argued with them about this. The hostel authorities are responsible for his death, and we want justice for our son.”

Also Read: Class 10 girl student found dead under suspicious circumstances in Rourkela

Police Investigation Underway

Meanwhile, no response could be obtained from the coaching centre authorities regarding the allegations. Police have initiated an investigation and said all angles, including the family’s claims, are being examined to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the student’s death.