Rayagada, Mar 3: A Class VIII girl residing in a hostel run by the ST & SC Development Department in Odisha’s Rayagada district tragically died on Monday night, sparking allegations of negligence against the school authorities.

The incident occurred at the Government Higher Secondary School in Ambadala, where the student, identified as Mita (name changed), was staying while pursuing her studies. Mita was from a village under the jurisdiction of the Ambadala police station.

Reports suggest that Mita suddenly fell ill on Monday night. The school authorities promptly took her to the Ambadala Primary Health Centre for treatment, but doctors declared her dead before she could be admitted. The exact cause of her death is still under investigation.

However, her family members have raised serious concerns, alleging negligence on the part of the school staff. They claim that despite the family’s home being only three kilometres from the hostel, they were not informed about Mita’s illness. Mita’s father alleged that when he and his wife arrived at the school upon hearing that their daughter was unwell, they were denied permission to meet her. The headmaster reportedly told them that they needed prior approval to see their daughter.

The parents further alleged that Mita had been ill for four days, but the school authorities never informed them. They claimed that they were only contacted after her death and were asked to visit the hospital as she had fallen seriously ill.

The incident led to tension in the area, with locals gathering near the hospital and demanding compensation for the family as well as action against the headmaster. Reports have also surfaced indicating that some villagers had previously raised complaints about the headmaster and teachers. Additionally, there are allegations that the Rayagada Welfare official overseeing the inquiry tried to suppress the investigation into the matter.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the situation or the allegations.