Berhampur, Feb 23: In a tragic incident during the ongoing matriculation examinations in Odisha, a schoolgirl from Berhampur allegedly died by suicide after being caught with a copy while entering the examination hall at V.V. Giri Government School, her family members said on Monday.

According to the family, the girl was appearing for her English paper on Saturday when she was allegedly intercepted with a copy. They claimed that some staff members told her she would be marked under “MP” (Malpractice), which left her deeply distressed. The family has lodged a complaint at Bada Bazaar police station, demanding a probe based on CCTV footage.

The victim’s parents, speaking to reporters, alleged that the humiliation and fear of being penalised drove her to take the extreme step. They said she had been a bright student and had shown no signs of stress before the examination.

On the other hand, the school authorities have denied the allegations. Headmistress Chandini Panda stated that no student was declared “MP” and no such incident was officially recorded. She maintained that examinations were conducted strictly as per rules and no student was unnecessarily threatened or humiliated.

The contradictory claims have placed the cause of the girl’s death under suspicion. While the family insists on accountability, the school maintains that the examination process was fair and transparent.

Meanwhile, the local Police have initiated an investigation into the matter. Officials said statements from the family and school staff will be recorded, and CCTV footage from the examination centre will be examined to ascertain the sequence of events.

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The incident has triggered concern among parents and educationists, highlighting the psychological pressure faced by students during the board examinations. Calls have been made for greater sensitivity in handling cases of malpractice and ensuring that disciplinary measures do not lead to emotional trauma.

As the investigation proceeds, the tragic death of the student has raised questions about examination protocols, student welfare, and the need for a balanced approach between discipline and compassion in schools.