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Retired judge to probe students' deaths at residential school in Karnataka’s Koppa; principal, warden suspendedKREIS Director Kantharaju P S has also issued an order suspending Principal Rajini and warden in-charge Sundara Naika, citing dereliction of duties.
Ashwani Kumar N K R
Last Updated IST
<div class="paragraphs"><p>Representative image of suspension.</p></div>

Representative image of suspension.

Credit: iStock Photo

Chikkamagaluru: Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) has appointed retired Judge S Shobha to probe the death of two girl students at Morarji Desai Residential School in Koppa town.

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On June 29, 2025, the body of a girl from Class 9 was found hanging in the bathroom of the residential school. The parents, leaders of various organisations and local people had conducted a protest in Koppa, urging the dismissal of the Principal and warden of the residential school, while demanding a high level inquiry.

On July 27, 2023, another student from Class 9 was also found hanging.

It has been ordered to investigate both the cases. Retired district and sessions judge S Shobha has been appointed as the investigation officer and district Coordination Officer K P Shaila has been appointed as the nodal officer.

KREIS Director Kantharaju P S has issued an order to investigate the cases and submit the report within a month.

Principal, warden suspended

KREIS Director Kantharaju P S has also issued an order suspending Principal Rajini and warden in-charge Sundara Naika, citing dereliction of duties.

During the primary investigation, it has been found that the death of the students was due to negligence by both Principal and the warden in-charge, the order stated.

Karnataka Janashakti Sanghatane state secretary K L Ashok said that the fights carried out by the association, demanding justice to the death of girl students, has borne results. An unbiased investigation should be conducted, he added.

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(Published 09 July 2025, 22:57 IST)