Sonepur, Nov. 26: A 12-year-old girl student was rescued by her parents and local residents from a locked classroom in her school yesterday.

Kereena Begum, a student of Class VII at Block Colony Upper Primary School here, was found lying unconscious in the classroom as her parents, along with local residents, broke down the door that was locked from outside.

Later in the evening, Kareena’s father Manhar Shah, a resident of nearby Jhopdipada, lodged a complaint at the town police station.

Inspector-in-charge of Sonepur police station Hemsagar Bhoi said: “Today, a police team visited the school to conduct a spot inquiry. We have detained some teachers for further interrogation.”

Family sources said Kareena had gone to the school in the morning as usual. But she didn’t come home till 5pm. Her friends said she had been seen sweeping the classroom during school hours.

The parents went to the school. Through a window, they saw their daughter lying unconscious in a classroom. They intimated the police and with the help of some local residents, rescued the girl.

Kareena was taken to the district headquarters hospital where she regained consciousness. Naseema Bibi, mother of Kareena, said: “She was asked by a teacher to sweep the classroom floor. Then, someone locked the room from outside. She shouted, but no one was there. This happened due to the negligence of the teacher. This incident questions the safety of students in the school,” Naseema said.

District project coordinator of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Benudhar Behera admitted that he had received a complaint about the incident.

“It is an unfortunate incident. We are conducting an inquiry into the matter. Whoever found guilty will be severely punished,” Behera said.