The hanging bodies of two students from MB-72 Nodal Primary School, located in the Kalimela block of Malkangiri district, were recovered from a forest.
After over a month of investigation, police have confirmed the deaths to be cases of suicide due to suffocation, ruling out foul play.
SDPO Sachin Patel, addressing the media, stated that forensic and post-mortem reports supported the conclusion of suicide. However, allegations from the families of the deceased have called for a thorough investigation, as concerns regarding the delayed justice remain. Samples have been sent for forensic testing, and inquiries into threatening calls from abroad, reported as credible, are also ongoing.
Amid this sensitive situation, the District Tribal Society Association has announced protests on March 24 to demand expedited justice, with support from various social organizations. The Congress party has alleged gang rape and murder in the incident, further intensifying the situation. They have also declared plans to gherao the Legislative Assembly on March 27 in protest.
The police have assured a detailed investigation and expressed sympathy toward the families while urging for patience as the inquiry progresses.
