Chhendipada: A class VI boy was drowned while taking bath in a pond at Kundeigola village under this block in Angul district.
He was identified as Subham Behera, son of Susant Behera of Kumunda village near Talcher.
The family members held the school authorities responsible for the death of Subham, who was a student of Senda-based MPS Nodal Academy High School.
According to reports, Subham, who was residing in the hostel, went to take bath in the pond with his friends.
But the boy accidentally slipped into the pond and drowned. After getting information, the school teachers rescued him and admitted to Chhendipada government hospital where he breathed his last.
The incident spread tension in the area as the local people blamed the school authorities for negligence. Talcher MLA Brajakishore Pradhan reached the hospital and took stock of the situation. He also blamed the school authorities of negligence and demanded action against them.
“There was morning class Saturday. After the class got over at 12 pm, the students went to take bath in the pond. However, the boy was drowned after he slipped into the pond. I rescued him, but he died while undergoing treatment,” school superintendent Digambhar Dalbehera said.
The police seized the body and sent it for autopsy while a probe was launched.
PNN