Assam: Two students drown in Kharkhari river, outrage over alleged school negligence

A tragic incident has shaken the Rihabari area of Chaygaon, where two school students reportedly drowned in the Kharkhari River. 

Their bodies were recovered separately after two days of intensive search operations, sparking widespread outrage among parents and local residents.

The victims, Surjyoraj Das, a Class X student from Satabari, and Nilkamal Kalita, a Class IX student from Dakuwapara No. 2, were hostel boarders at Sacred Vineyard Bereand Academy, a private school in Rihabari. 

Reports indicate that the boys went missing last Sunday after heading to bathe in the river from their hostel.

The first body, identified as Surjyoraj Das, was recovered at Payaranga in Boko, while Nilkamal Kalita’s body was retrieved later at Jambari in Chaygaon. 

Also Read: Assam: Youth arrested with banned drugs in Margherita

The incident has triggered anger among locals, who allege negligence on the part of the school authorities for allowing students to access the river unsupervised.

Officer-in-Charge of Chaygaon Police Station, Kamakhya Mishra, confirmed that a case has been registered and an investigation is ongoing. Mishra highlighted that required safety measures for students were not in place, pointing to considerable negligence by the school management.

Following the tragedy, residents have urged the district administration, the Co-District Commissioner, and police officials to inspect infrastructure and safety arrangements at private schools and hostels across the Boko-Chaygaon Legislative Assembly constituency.