A Class 10 student of a private English medium school in Odisha’s Keonjhar district lost his life after falling from the terrace of his school hostel on Saturday evening. The victim, identified as Krishna Pradhan, was a boarder at Kairala English Medium School in Champua.

Notably, the incident was caught on a CCTV camera which showed a few students walking in the corridor. Later, Krishna is seen climbing the railing and then jumping off the balcony.

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According to initial reports, Krishna was staying in the school’s four-storey hostel building. The exact circumstances surrounding his fall remain unclear, and the incident has raised serious questions about hostel safety and student mental health.

Champua police have launched an investigation and are collecting both forensic and circumstantial evidence from the scene. While the possibility of suicide is being examined, officials have not ruled out foul play. As of now, no official statement has been issued by the school authorities or the police regarding the cause of the incident.

The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the lack of mental health support systems in educational institutions across Odisha. Despite the University Grants Commission (UGC) issuing guidelines in 2023 for setting up counselling units, helpline services, and student support centres, implementation has been sparse, especially in schools and colleges outside urban centres.

Police said further updates will be provided once the investigation concludes.

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