Three JNV Staff Suspended After Class X Students Drown in Kolab Reservoir

Koraput: A day after three Class X students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Koraput drowned in the Kolab reservoir, the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) has suspended three staff members of the school pending an inquiry into the incident.

Official sources said the suspended staff include Physics teacher Chaman Kumar, Physical Education Teacher Rahul Singh, and hostel in-charge Ishwar Khara. The action was taken by the Bhopal-based regional office of the NVS following the tragic incident.

Sources said a detailed inquiry has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances that led to the incident. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible, officials added.

The tragedy occurred on Saturday when three Class X students — Lingaraj Khilo, Om Prakash Behera, and Swasthita Sundar Halwa — drowned in the Kolab reservoir.

According to reports, eight students had gone to the reservoir to bathe after completing their CBSE Class X examination. During the bath, three of them reportedly ventured into deeper water, lost their balance, and were swept away.

After being alerted, school staff rushed to the spot and pulled the students out of the water. They were immediately taken to SLN Medical College and Hospital in Koraput, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.

The incident has sparked concern over student safety and supervision, with authorities now examining possible lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.