**Baripada:** In an unprecedented development in Mayurbhanj district, 256 students of Morada Patapur Girls School on Sunday have been found walking 15 kilometres towards Baripada town in order to meet the District Collector and report to him of their hostel problems.
This drastic step has puzzled the authorities. The police tried to find from the ‘walking gangs of girls’ the reason that prompted them to meet the collector. However, the girls refused to disclose their problems to the police. So, the suspense regarding their mysterious walk is yet to be solved as these scores of schoolgirls continue their march to Baripada.
Nevertheless, many of the girls can be seen in tears as they walked, a clear proof of some problem disturbing them.
Latest reports mention that the schoolgirls have been asked to halt at Nichuapada School, where they have been assured that the Mayurbhanj Collector will arrive to meet them.
Sudam Marandi, former Minister has reportedly got in touch with the girls at Nichuapada and also the school authorities at Morada Patapur Girls School over the issue.
According to sources, there have been many problems in the school hostel, which the girls only want to report to the Collector at Mayurbhanj. Some locals say few outsiders (boys) have entered the hostel and harassed and created problem for the girls, which is one among the many undisclosed reasons for the girls protest walk.
As per the latest reports, some girls have admitted harassment by the school headmaster and his assistant.
And, as soon as this news reached Surendra Kumar Meena, Mayurbhanj Collector, he swiftly placed Rajiv Mahant, Headmaster, Morada Patapur Girls School and his assistant Susant Das under suspension in connection with this issue.
