In a deeply distressing incident that has raised serious questions about school safety, a 7-year-old Class II student of the Demonstration Multipurpose (DM) School under the Regional Institute of Education (RIE) in Bhubaneswar was found dead on Wednesday evening after going missing from the campus during lunch break.
The girl, who was mentally challenged, was last seen around 1:20 pm on 29 July 2026. When she failed to return after the midday recess, school authorities and her family grew alarmed. Her parents formally reported her missing to Saheed Nagar Police Station only around 4:30 pm.
Police teams swung into action immediately. Officers from Saheed Nagar and additional personnel from police headquarters launched a massive search operation. CCTV footage from the school was examined, and all PCR vans were alerted. The footage revealed that the child had managed to walk out of the school gate alone before the official closing time and was seen moving towards the Children Park and Police Line area.
During the search, investigators learned that the girl’s maternal uncle (mamu) serves as a constable posted at the Police Line. Teams scoured the campus and surrounding areas. Ultimately, the girl’s body was recovered from an open water fountain in the police reserve ground. The fountain contained approximately 4–5 feet of water, accumulated due to continuous heavy rain over the past few days.
She was rushed to Capital Hospital in an unconscious condition but was declared brought dead by doctors. An inquest and post-mortem examination will be conducted. Police have stated that, prima facie, the incident appears to be a case of accidental drowning. The final cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report.
The girl’s family has expressed deep anguish and alleged negligence on the part of school authorities. Relatives pointed out that a large gate exists on the campus and questioned how a young child with special needs could leave unnoticed, cross multiple roads, and reach the police reserve area. They have demanded strict action against the school management for failing to ensure the safety of students.
The tragedy has sparked widespread concern over security arrangements in educational institutions, especially for children with special needs. Saheed Nagar Police continue to investigate how the child was able to exit the premises and the circumstances surrounding her final moments.
