Kashinagar: In a shocking incident, a Class-IX student at Varanasi Government High School in Kashinagar of Gajapati district allegedly attempted suicide by consuming rodent poison in her classroom Tuesday, triggering shockwaves in the area.
The girl, who hails from a nearby village and studying in Class-IX, reportedly consumed the poison while lessons were underway in the classroom. She began vomiting, prompting the teacher to check on her. The teacher noticed a packet of rat poison lying near the student and immediately rushed her to the local CHC and later shifted her to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Paralakhemundi, where her condition is stated to be critical.
When reporters and media personnel arrived at the health center, a teacher present there allegedly refused to share details and prevented them from taking photographs or recording video. This led to allegations that the school is attempting to cover up the incident.
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Zilla Parishad Chairperson G Tirupathi Rao visited the school and questioned teachers and students about the incident. Assistant Block Education Officer (ABEO) Narmada Das, who was alerted to the situation, also visited the school and discussed the matter with the in-charge headmaster. District Education Officer Mayadhar Sahu was also informed about the incident.
Acting headmaster R Dilip Kumar said he was not at the school Tuesday. “I was attending a JNV meeting. While I was there, I received information that a girl student at our school had attempted suicide by consuming poison,” Kumar said. After the meeting, he went to the district headquarters hospital in Paralakhemundi to check on the student. He spoke with doctors about her condition and discussed her recovery. Kumar later visited the girl’s home, informed her mother about the incident and sought details.
According to the mother, the girl consumed poison due to family discord. However, the exact reason behind the suicide attempt is still unclear.
The school has been without a permanent headmaster for a long time, and Kumar has been serving as in-charge. Residents say the absence of a full-time headmaster has led to repeated complaints about mismanagement. They have urged authorities to take the matter seriously and appoint a permanent headmaster.
District Education Officer Mayadhar Sahu said the girl had been involved in a family dispute since Monday. Upset over the matter, she reportedly bought rodent poison from a shop near the school and consumed it. An investigation is underway, and the exact cause will be known after the inquiry, Sahu said. Her mother also admitted of family dispute.