Gania (Nayagarh): Angry villagers blocked the Kantilo-Daspalla road on Wednesday after the body of a 10-year-old student was recovered from an open well in Belpada village under Gania block in Nayagarh district.
The incident has shocked the community, with locals demanding swift action and a thorough investigation.
The deceased has been identified as Bijay Mallick, a Class V student of Belpada Primary School.
According to reports, Bijay had left the school on Tuesday afternoon after eating his mid-day meal around 1 pm to relieve himself but did not return. Concerned teachers alerted his family, and when he failed to come home that night, villagers joined the search. A written complaint was subsequently lodged at Gania Police Station.
Bijay’s body was discovered near the village in an open well on Wednesday morning. Following the grim discovery, villagers staged a protest by blocking the road, holding the body and alleging foul play.
“We demand justice. Our child did not die naturally,” said a family member, urging authorities to conduct a proper investigation.
Gania Police Station IIC and Khandapada SDPO visited the site and initiated inquiries. As of the latest reports, the road remains blocked and villagers are continuing their protest.
