Tension gripped Rayagada district after a Class VII student, who had sustained severe burn injuries in a school fire incident, died on Tuesday following a 48-day struggle for life.
The deceased has been identified as Biren Takri, a student of Paikadakuluguda Upgraded High School. He had suffered critical burn injuries in an incident that occurred on January 5, when a fellow student allegedly poured thinner on four students on the upper floor of the school building and set them on fire. All four sustained burn injuries, with Biren reported to be the most severely affected.
Following the incident, he was initially admitted to a local hospital and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite undergoing prolonged medical care for nearly seven weeks, he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday afternoon.
After news of his death spread, family members and villagers staged a protest by placing his body in front of the school premises. The agitating locals alleged medical negligence in his treatment and demanded adequate compensation for the bereaved family. They also sought accountability from school authorities and the district administration regarding the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
Police from Muniguda reached the spot to manage the situation and are attempting to pacify the grieving family and protesters. As of now, no official statement has been issued by medical authorities in response to the allegations of negligence.
