Udala: Allegation of ragging has surfaced at a government-run school hostel in Mayurbhanj district after a video of the incident went viral, raising concerns about the safety of boarders.
The incident reportedly took place at the hostel of PM SHRI Government High School in Khunta of Mayurbhanj district. Sources said that several Class VII students staying at the hostel were playing behind the building Friday afternoon. They allegedly returned to hostel late in the evening, after which a group of Class IX students began harassing them.
About seven to eight Class VII students were allegedly forced to kneel for an extended period and beaten by the senior students. After a video of the incident circulated outside the hostel, family members of the affected students reached the school at night to inquire about the matter. Parents reportedly found out that the hostel matron and deputy superintendent were absent at the time.
The headmistress (incharge) and hostel superintendent Sabitri Patra said she questioned the students and launched a preliminary inquiry. District Education Officer Purnachandra Sethi said the Assistant District Education Officer (ADEO) has been directed to conduct a probe.