Phubani, Feb 8: Yet another appalling incident was reported at the Government Higher Secondary School in Daringbadi of Kandhamal district, where a Class-9 student has allegedly gone missing for more than 36 hours, a source said Sunday.

According to the source, the missing student was identified as Kishan Behera (14). He is a resident of Sudrukumpa area under Phulbani Sadar police station limits and the son of Arjun Behera. Kishan was staying in the school hostel at the time of the incident.

After the student went missing on Friday evening, the school authorities conducted searches at various places. School authorities reportedly contacted the student’s family members during the search. However, it was confirmed that the boy had not returned home.

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When he could not be traced, they approached Daringbadi police station on Saturday and lodged a complaint.

Confirming the development, IIC Sangram Keshari Jena said that an investigation has been initiated following receipt of the complaint.

Our source from the ground informed that police are examining the circumstances under which the student left the hostel.

Questions are now being raised over how the student left the hostel and whether any untoward incident has occurred. His whereabouts remain unknown, causing concern among parents and locals.

Previous Incidents Raise Questions Over Hostel Management

Despite the posting of a superintendent and a CCA (Cook-cum-Attendant), allegations of negligence have surfaced, with repeated incidents being reported from the hostel and school.

Last month, a Class-9 student allegedly broke through a wall and went outside to consume intoxicants. He later returned to the hostel in an inebriated state and was subsequently expelled by the school authorities.

Our source from the ground said no district-level inquiry has been conducted into that matter so far.

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Additionally, on the day of Saraswati Puja, mid-day meals were reportedly not cooked at the school, forcing hundreds of students to return home hungry, the source added.

District Welfare Officer Responds

When contacted, District Welfare Officer Rabinarayan Mishra acknowledged the missing student case. He said, “The student who is now missing had earlier also left the hostel without information. We are searching for him and he will be traced soon. We are in contact with his family members.”

He further added, “I will direct the Headmaster, Umashankar Samantaray, to take corrective steps to improve the management of the school.”