BARIPADA: A veil of uncertainty surrounds the tragic death of a Class II student, discovered hanging within a government-run residential school in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Sunday.

The victim was identified as seven-year-old Dulari Madhei from Bhadagadhua village, located under Udala police jurisdiction. She was studying at Bishmayakara Ashram School.

Sources revealed that during the afternoon, while other hostel children were watching television, Dulari was found missing. A frantic search led hostel staff to a disturbing scene—her lifeless body hanging by an apron tied to a bamboo pillar in a room next to the dormitory.

Brundaban Prusty, the school’s headmaster, stated he was alerted by the matron and rushed to the hostel. Dulari was taken to Udala Sub-Divisional Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Police later arrived at the hospital and took custody of the body for autopsy.

The incident sparked public outrage, with locals questioning the school’s safety protocols and staff vigilance. Many believe the circumstances suggest foul play, asserting that a child so young could not have taken her own life. “This appears to be a deliberate act. Authorities must ensure a fair investigation and punish the guilty,” villagers demanded.

Dulari’s father, Susanta Madhei, along with relatives, resisted the postmortem until they were informed of the events that led to her death.

Udala police IIC Banamali Barik confirmed a murder case has been filed based on the father’s complaint, accusing the headmaster and matron. A detailed inquiry is ongoing.

District welfare officer Guru Charan Mallick assured that a fact-finding team, including child welfare officials, would soon visit the school.