Keonjhar, July 19(OT Webdesk): A harrowing case from Kerala English Medium School in Champua has shaken Keonjhar district. A 16-year-old Class X student allegedly died by suicide on July 12 by jumping off the fourth-floor hostel building.
The tragic incident occurred shortly after the school’s morning assembly, prompting immediate hospitalisation, but the student was declared dead on arrival.
Investigations led to the arrest of four school staff members: teacher Shashi Shekhar Jha, hostel warden Surendra Nath Mishra, administrative officer Prakashan T, and hostel supervisor Daitari Sahu.
Acting on a complaint filed by the student’s father, Sudhansu Sekhar Pradhan, police charged the four under Section 108/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to abetment of suicide. Allegations suggest sustained mental and physical abuse pushed the student to the brink.
CCTV evidence and eyewitness accounts confirmed the fall was intentional, settling initial doubts. The incident sparked outrage, with protests erupting at the school and hospital.
Authorities permitted the family to review surveillance footage, and a postmortem examination was conducted.
The arrested individuals are now in judicial custody as the investigation continues.
