The Gajapati district administration suspended headmaster Seto Raika of Rubudisingh Upper Primary School after a school gate collapse killed two girl students on April 15.
Two students, Edanti Raita (9) and Beckylesh Raita (10), from Rubudisingh village under R Udayagiri police limits, died when an iron gate attached to the boundary wall fell on them while they played on the school premises. Both girls studied in classes IV and V. Locals rescued them from the debris and took them to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Their bodies were later sent to Paralakhemundi District Headquarters Hospital for post-mortem.
Police registered a case at R Udayagiri Police Station against a contractor accused of using the school grounds to store construction materials. Villagers alleged that heavy vehicle movement inside the campus weakened the wall and gate structure, leading to the collapse.
Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Chairperson Justice Satrughana Pujahari visited the site, condemned the tragedy, and assured strict action against those responsible. He met the victims’ families and directed officials to inspect unsafe school infrastructure across the district.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief and ordered an RDC-level inquiry. He announced an ex-gratia of ₹3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for each bereaved family. The incident sparked protests demanding accountability and compensation, which local officials later managed to control.
