Rayagada School Fire Incident: Teachers Face Action After Four Students Injured

Bisamakatak (Rayagada): A day after four students of an upgraded high school at Paikadakuluguda in Rayagada district sustained burn injuries in a shocking incident on the school premises, the Odisha School and Mass Education Department on Tuesday issued show-cause notices to the school’s headmaster and four primary teachers.

The department has also ordered the stoppage of salaries of all five teachers, including the headmaster, pending the outcome of an official inquiry. Officials said further disciplinary action will be decided after completion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, angry parents of the injured students, along with local residents, gathered at the school and questioned the teachers over the circumstances that led to the incident. The situation turned tense for some time before police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. The police assured the agitating parents and locals of strict action against those responsible.

Earlier, the school headmaster had lodged a complaint at the Muniguda police station in connection with the incident. Police later visited the hospital where the injured students are undergoing treatment and recorded their statements.

According to preliminary findings, some students alleged that the son of the school peon called the four students to a room on the first floor of the school building, poured colour thinner on them and set them on fire. Based on the allegations, police have registered a case against the peon’s son.

Of the four injured students, the condition of Biraja Takri is reported to be critical. He has been referred to SCB Medical College