Boy falls to death trying to flee classmate’s 10th floor flat

Bhubaneswar: A Class XI student fell to his death from the 10th floor flat of his classmate while trying to flee when her mother suddenly returned home on Monday. The boy, aged around 17 or 18, panicked and in a bid to escape, tried to climb down the bathroom using a waterpipe when the incident happened.Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena said preliminary findings suggest the boy died due to an accidental fall. “As of now, we do not see any foul play. His family members have not made any allegations. Our investigation is underway,” Meena told reporters.The incident took place in the posh Niladri Vihar area. According to police sources, the boy, student of a private school, had arrived at the girl’s flat around 10.30 am when she was alone at home.

The boy was in school uniform and was carrying his bag.Around 2 pm, her mother, who is employed with a private company, returned home early as it was a half-day at work.“Out of panic, the boy hid inside the bathroom and later accessed the duct area through the bathroom’s ventilation exit. He tried to climb down using the pipe but unfortunately slipped. His bag was found hanging on the ninth floor duct pipe,” Meena said.Police used CCTV footage and statements of the girl and her mother to piece together the sequence of events.

Broken pipe fragments were found at the spot.Apartment staff said they heard a loud thud around 2.15 pm and discovered the body. They then alerted Chandrasekharpur police. The boy was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was declared dead on arrival.Residents and security guards declined to comment. An officer of Chandrasekharpur police station said, “This appears to be a case of youthful panic leading to a tragic miscalculation. It is shocking that the boy attempted such a dangerous escape.”Counsellors said the incident underscores the need for awareness among teenagers. “Youths often act impulsively under stress and panic. Schools and parents must talk openly about safe choices,” said psychologist Amrit Pattojoshi.