Phulbani: The headmistress of a state-run tribal residential school in Odisha's Kandhamal district, where a 14-year-old girl student of class-VIII delivered a baby yesterday, was suspended by the Collector today.

The district administration had yesterday recommended the state government to initiate action against Radharani Dalai, the headmistress. The minor girl had given birth to a baby at the hostel of the school following which the headmistress reportedly reached the hostel and drove the girl with the newborn out through the back door in an apparent bid to suppress the incident.

Earlier, as many as two matrons, one auxiliary nurse midwifery of the institute, two cook-cum-attendants and one warden were dismissed while three women Assistant Superintendents were suspended for dereliction of duty.

SC and ST Development Minister Ramesh Majhi said the Kandhamal Collector has been asked to conduct a probe into the matter. The Minister said appropriate action would be taken after the inquiry report is submitted.

"The girl was raped eight months ago at her village. She couldn't reveal it out of fear and shame. The main accused has been detained," Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh told media persons.