The death of a minor student at a private residential coaching centre in Odisha’s Cuttack district on Monday has sparked serious allegations from the family, who have accused the institution’s authorities of foul play. The incident took place in Salepur, where police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash Sethi, a resident of Mundilo village in Kendrapara district. He was staying at a private coaching centre located on Shishu Mandir Road in Salepur town and was pursuing his first year of Plus Two Science.
According to available information, the student was found hanging inside his hostel room on Monday. He was immediately rushed to the Salepur Community Health Centre (CHC), where doctors declared him brought dead.
Following the incident, the family alleged that Om Prakash had died much earlier than the time at which they were informed. They also claimed there were discrepancies in the information provided by the coaching centre authorities regarding the sequence of events leading to his death.
Police officials said the case is being examined from all angles to determine whether it was a case of suicide or if there was any other involvement.
The family has linked the alleged foul play to a dispute over fees at the coaching centre. The deceased’s mother, Mamata Sethi, claimed that the required payment had already been made, but the authorities later denied receiving it. She alleged that the disagreement over the payment preceded her son’s death and accused the hostel authorities of responsibility.
The student’s father, Deepak Sethi, said the family received a call shortly before reaching the centre, stating that their son’s health was not good. He claimed that when they arrived, Om Prakash had already passed away. The parents have demanded a thorough investigation and justice for their son.
No response was available from the coaching centre authorities at the time of reporting. Police said an investigation is underway and that all claims, including those made by the family, are being verified to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances of the student’s death.