Three Class III students of Padeiguda Ashram School in Borigumma block, Koraput, disappeared on Friday evening but were found safe after five hours.
The incident triggered concern among parents and locals until police located the girls in a nearby hut.
The missing students, identified as Mamata Badnayak, Bhavani Badnayak, and Sebati Jani from Jeypore block, had returned to school after the Christmas break. Their parents dropped them off at 3:30 pm. When the girls failed to return home, their parents alerted the school authorities, and a missing persons case was filed at Borigumma police station.
Police immediately launched a search operation. After hours of effort, officers discovered the girls taking shelter in a hut close to the school. The children were unharmed, and their safe recovery brought relief to their families and the community.
Authorities confirmed that the girls had not faced any harm during their disappearance. Investigators are now examining the circumstances that led them to leave the school premises.
The incident highlighted the importance of vigilance in residential schools and the need for stronger monitoring of young students. Parents expressed gratitude to the police for their swift action, which ensured the safe return of the children.
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