Rayagda: Seven students were expelled from a government-run residential school in Revolkana under Kolnara block of Odisha’s Rayagada district after a viral video purportedly showed senior boarders assaulting juniors with a cricket bat, sticks and coconut fronds, sparking parental protests and administrative action.
Tension briefly prevailed at Revolkona High School on Wednesday when parents of the Class VIII and IX victims staged a demonstration demanding strict punishment for those involved and the immediate transfer of the headmaster. The assault, which occurred on Sunday night inside the hostel of the SC and ST Development Department-run institution, came to light on Tuesday after the footage circulated widely on social media.
According to officials, the incident was triggered by a complaint from Class IX students concerning the misconduct of a Class X student and a few of his peers. After the teacher reprimanded the senior student, he and several classmates reportedly retaliated by attacking the complainants and other junior hostel inmates.
A team from Chandili police station led by IIC Uttam Kumar Sahu, along with District Welfare Officer Asima Rao, reached the school and held detailed discussions with the agitating parents, bringing the situation under control.
Rao confirmed that transfer certificates have been issued to the seven Class X students linked to the incident. Earlier, one student had been expelled and a police complaint lodged against others on the basis of the footage. “The Chandili police and district welfare staff reached the school to question staff on whether any teachers were present during the incident and why no attempt was made to stop the assault. Video analysis indicates that three to four Class 10 students physically assaulted the junior student with a cricket bat while others filmed the act. Reports from parents and locals suggest that senior students ragging and dominating juniors in this hostel has been an ongoing issue for years, Rao said.
She further noted that the role of the headmaster and hostel superintendents is under scanner and strict disciplinary measures are expected following the submission of the inquiry report to the SC/ST Welfare Department and local police.
The IIC also dismissed reports that the accused students had fled to nearby hills fearing arrest.
Meanwhile, the district administration has issued a show-cause notice to the headmaster seeking an explanation for alleged negligence in supervision. Special Development Council Chairman Bidhyadhar Sabar also visited the campus, assessed the situation and urged officials to strengthen oversight to prevent recurrence of indiscipline in residential schools.
Hostel superintendent Dambarudhar Tripathy said disciplinary proceedings were initiated immediately after the incident came to the notice of the authorities. A detailed inquiry is underway to examine the sequence of events, any lapses in hostel supervision and possible negligence, he added.
A parent-teacher meeting is planned in the coming days to restore confidence and ensure such incidents do not recur. The school with a strength of over 200 students, studying in classes VIII to X.
