Cops probe death of sevashram students

KORAPUT: A day after two Class V students of a government-run sevashram (residential school meant for SC and ST students) died under mysterious circumstances, police intensified their investigation into the case on Sunday.
Jitu Khora and Subash Khora of Thuria sevashram, situated at a distance of around 35 kilometres from here, under Pottangi block died on Saturday evening. They had gone to a nearby hillock to dig out tubers.

Based on a preliminary inquiry, police said the two boys, along with four other students, had scaled the boundary wall of the school to make their way out. “Whether the death of the two students was accidental or not is under investigation,” they added.

“The four children who had accompanied the Jitu and Subash said the duo fell inside a gorge and died,” said V R Rao, additional superintendent of police, Koraput. He added that following the information provided by the four children, a team of police inspected the spot and found numerous gorges on the hillock. “We are examining all angles of the case. We will question more people,” Rao said.

Meanwhile, the students’ autopsy was conducted at SLN Medical College and Hospital in Koraput on Sunday. The bodies were later handed over to the respective families.

District welfare officer (Koraput) Jagannath Soren said a departmental inquiry into the incident had been launched. “Necessary action will be taken once the inquiry is completed. If anyone is found guilty, he will not be spared,” Soren said.