Rayagada school fire incident: Minister Nityananda Gond orders probe, assures action

Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Tuesday assured that all necessary steps are being taken for the treatment of students injured in a shocking fire incident at a Rayagada school. 

Speaking to OTV, Minister Gond said, “I have directed the secretary to look into the matter and ensure proper medical care for the injured students. An investigation into the incident will be conducted, and necessary action will be taken accordingly.”

Notably, four students, including three from Class VII, sustained serious injuries after one student allegedly poured thinner and set them on fire at Paik Dakuluguda High School in Muniguda, Rayagada district, on Monday.

All the injured students were immediately rushed to a private hospital in Bissamcuttack, where they are currently receiving treatment. The exact reason behind the incident remains unclear, and it is not yet known how the student obtained the thinner, why it was poured, or under what circumstances the fire was set.

Police have registered a case and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine who attacked whom and whether any evidence substantiates the claims.

District Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni said, “As far as I know, the student set the fire using an inflammable material commonly used for painting. One student sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at the DHH. It is not clear how or why the students went to the under-construction building, and there is no proof yet about who set the fire. Our first priority is to provide treatment to the injured students. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.”

The shocking incident has raised concerns among parents and educators about student safety and supervision in schools, prompting authorities to tighten monitoring and prevent such incidents in the future.

Also Read: Patients left waiting: Odisha doctors continue their 2-hour OPD shutdown over pending demands

A relative of one of the injured students said, “My grandson had gone to school. He was set on fire. He has sustained severe burn injuries.”