The district administration has suspended the headmaster of Sahajat Ashram following the mysterious death of a student, Ashwini Das, aged 13.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night while the student was residing and studying at the tribal residential school located in Komna block.
Haradeb Hans, who had recently joined as the headmaster of the Ashram, was suspended on Thursday after preliminary findings raised serious concerns. The deceased student belonged to a backward community, and his admission into a Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe-designated institution has sparked debate within the education department.
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The SDPO of Nuapada, Swadhin Mishra, has taken charge of the investigation. Intellectual circles and tribal organisations are demanding a thorough probe, especially into who facilitated the student’s admission and stay at the Ashram. The District Tribal Association has called for the inclusion of all responsible teachers in the investigation.
While the administration has initiated disciplinary action, questions remain about whether this move is an attempt to deflect deeper accountability. The local police are now under pressure to uncover the truth and identify those responsible for the student’s death.
Citizens across the district are anxiously awaiting justice, hoping the veil over this disturbing incident will soon be lifted.