In a deeply disturbing incident, the body of a Class 2 girl student was found hanging inside the premises of an ashram school in Udala, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. 

The victim, a minor studying at the Udala Ashram School, was discovered in a suspicious condition, her lifeless body hanging from a bamboo pillar within the school campus on Sunday afternoon.

What Initial Reports Say….

According to local sources, the body was first spotted by other students and staff members in the early hours of the day. The girl was reportedly found hanging in a room adjacent to the student dormitory. 

The scene has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious questions about safety and supervision in government-run residential schools, especially those housing tribal and underprivileged children.

The child, whose identity has been withheld due to legal and ethical reasons, belonged to the 2nd grade and was described by teachers as quiet and reserved. 

What has further intensified concern is that the victim was very young, making it unlikely for such an act to have been carried out voluntarily. The presence of the body hanging from a bamboo pillar has led to widespread speculation among parents and villagers, many of whom suspect foul play.

Soon after the discovery, school authorities informed the local police, who reached the spot and initiated an investigation. The body was sent for post-mortem to ascertain the exact cause of death. 

“I was informed about the incident from the matron and we immediately shifted her to the hospital where the doctors declared her death. The student was 7-years-old. The deceased was found hanging in an apron. All the students were watching TV and it were a group of students who first informed about the incident,” said Headmaster, Brundaban Prusty.

Matron said, “ The condition of the student was critical when we first came to know about the incident. Later, she was shifted to the hospital. I don’t know exactly what happened.” 

Senior officials from the Education Department and Child Welfare Committee are also expected to visit the school to look into the matter.

Locals are demanding a thorough and impartial probe. "How can such a small child do something like this alone? This needs proper investigation," said a villager who gathered at the school.

Child rights activists have also expressed alarm and urged the state government to ensure a transparent inquiry.

As of now, police have not confirmed whether it was a case of suicide or something more sinister. The circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear, and authorities have assured that all angles, including potential negligence or abuse, will be investigated.

More details are awaited as the investigation progresses. The incident has once again thrown a spotlight on the urgency of child safety and welfare measures in educational institutions, especially those serving vulnerable communities.