Basudevpur: The headmaster of Binayakpur Upper Primary School in Basudevpur block of Bhadrak district Sarat Kumar Barik was suspended for dereliction of his duty following the death of a schoolgirl in wall collapse Tuesday.
Three boys were also left battling for their lives. The accident happened when four children went out of the school during study hours and were eating black berries near the dilapidated structure.
The deceased was identified as Mansi Mallick (8), a Class-III student.
The injured are Bibhutisundar Mallick (8), Shiba Mallick (10) and Jagannath Das (9).
They were admitted to Basudevpur hospital first and have been shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack later.
The Block Education Officer Rabindra Narayan Mallick has ordered the suspension of Barik.
Irate over the mishap, local people locked up the school.
Earlier, the BEO with Tehsildar Prakash Roula visited the school and took stock of the situation. The officials also visited the hospital and inquired about the condition of the students.
“The condition of the students is still critical. They are placed under intense care. All medical expenses are being taken care of,” Mallick said.
During probe it was found that the wall of an isolated house near the school had developed cracks and was on the verge of collapse. However, the HM continued to take classes near the dilapidated house following which the tragedy happened, locals said.
“Suspension is a small punishment. He should be placed behind the bars,” said the angry locals.