Bhubaneswar, 16 April (H.S.): A Class 8 student was found hanging inside a school hostel in Umerkote area of Odisha’s Nabarangpur district on Thursday, triggering shock and concern among locals and authorities.

The deceased has been identified as 12-year-old Prashant Bhatra, son of Parameswar Bhatra of Badakumari village. He was a student of Bhamini Ashram School under Umerkote block.

According to initial reports, the student had returned to the hostel from his home just two days before the incident. He was found hanging inside the hostel premises under circumstances that are yet to be ascertained.

On receiving information, police reached the spot, recovered the body, and initiated an investigation. Officials stated that the exact cause of death is still unclear, and all possible angles are being examined.

The incident has raised serious concerns over the safety and supervision of students in residential school hostels. Locals have questioned how such an incident could occur without the knowledge of school authorities, including the headmaster and hostel warden.

Authorities have assured a thorough probe into the matter, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda