Tension prevailed in the Daringbadi area of Kandhamal district following reports that a Class-VIII girl delivered a baby at a residential school hostel on Saturday night.
Irate locals staged a demonstration on Sunday and blocked the National Highway-59 demanding a probe into the matter and immediate arrest of the accused.
Vehicular communications between Daringbadi and Brahmapur and other parts of the district were affected due to the road blockade.
Later, SC and ST Development Minister Ramesh Majhi ordered the Kandhamal district Collector to conduct a probe as to under what circumstances the girl became pregnant and by whom and submit a report at the earliest.
“Further steps will be taken after getting the report. The Government is concerned over the safety and security of girl students and stringent action will be taken against those found guilty” added Majhi.
Later, the district administration suspended seven officials of the residential school including three Assistant Hostel Superintendents. The administration has also suggested for action against the Headmistress of the school.
As per the latest reports, the locals withdrew the road blockade after a youth was detained by the police in connection with the girl’s pregnancy.
Sources said the conditions of both the minor girl and her baby were stable and they were undergoing treatment at the Balliguda hospital.