Nabarangpur, April 16: A Class VIII student was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a hostel in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district, triggering tension in the locality. The incident took place at Bhamini Ashram School under Umerkote block.

The deceased has been identified as 12-year-old Prashant Bhatra, son of Parameshwar Bhatra of Bada Kumari village. According to sources, Prashant had returned to the hostel just two days ago. His hanging body was recovered on the hostel premises on Thursday, leaving students and staff in shock.

On being informed, police reached the spot, recovered the body and launched an investigation into the incident. The exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained.

The incident has also raised serious concerns over the safety and supervision of students in the hostel. Locals have questioned how the authorities, including the headmaster and hostel warden, remained unaware of the incident.