Rayagada, Nov 5 (UDN): Anger and anxiety gripped Dangsorada village in Rayagada district on Thursday as parents and villagers locked the main gate of Dangsorada High School, demanding urgent action to trace Kunal Sabar, a Class VI student who has remained missing for four months.
The protest disrupted classes, with students left waiting outside the school premises as demonstrators refused to open the gate until the missing boy was found.
Student Disappeared in July
Kunal reportedly went missing from the school on July 31. His family came to know about his disappearance on August 6 and subsequently submitted a written complaint at the Dangsorada Police Outpost.
Despite the passage of several months, the boy has not been traced. The delay has fuelled resentment among villagers, who have questioned the response of the police and local administration.
On Thursday, parents and villagers resorted to locking the school gate to press for concrete steps to locate the child and ensure his safe return.
Mother Makes Emotional Appeal
Kunal’s mother, Gitanjali Sabara, expressed anguish over the lack of information about her son and alleged that the school authorities had not taken concrete steps to help the family.
She said she had approached the Superintendent of Police, the District Collector and the police, but had only been told that efforts were being made to trace the child.
“How long should I keep waiting? Does nobody feel for my child? I want my son back. I appeal to the authorities to find him as soon as possible,” she said.
In an emotional statement, Gitanjali warned that she might take her own life if her son was not found. She also said the villagers would not remove the lock from the school gate until Kunal was brought back.
Welfare Department Says Police Handling Investigation
Meanwhile, District Welfare Officer Asima Rao said the matter had been brought to the notice of the police and that an investigation was underway.
She said the responsibility for tracing the missing student rested with the police department, adding that the Welfare Department had already submitted a report and was concerned about the child's disappearance.
For further information on the investigation, she advised the family to approach the police or the Superintendent of Police.
With Kunal still untraced, the family and villagers continue to await answers and urgent action from the authorities.
