Sambalpur: Tension prevailed after three students reportedly went missing from the girls' hostel of a tribal residential school in Govindpur in Odisha's Sambalpur district. 

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon and came to light after the hostel warden filed a police complaint in this regard. 

The students were were studying in Bamra Girls' High School. While two of them were in Class 9, one was in Class 10. They were identified as residents of Khokopada in Bamra, Sathkama in Kuchinda and Khuntamal, respectively.

Girls missing since Sunday afternoon

As per reports, the girls went missing since 4 pm on Sunday afternoon. When they did not return even late in the night, the warden reached out to the police. An immediate investigation was initiated but till reports last came in, the whereabouts of the girls were still unknown.

Police said a team has been formed and all CCTV footage is being examined to trace the movement of the students within the school premises and other surrounding areas. "We are considering all possibilities of the extent of their movement. Families of the girls have been informed. The investigation is still underway," they informed. 

Meanwhile, guardians of the missing girls raised serious concerns over hostel safety protocols and alleged negligence of school authorities. They questioned the role of the warden in whose presence the girls went missing. 

Also read: Odisha: Youth goes missing from birthday party, found after 17 days in SCB hospital