Rayagada: Four students of Paikdakulguda High School in the Bissam Cuttack block were allegedly set on fire by a fellow student on Monday.
The injured include Biraj, Nalin, and Rohit, all Class 7 students, and Sudham Bagh, a Class 5 student. Among them, Biraj is reported to be in critical condition.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 3 pm when some students had gone to the school premises to relieve themselves. A student allegedly poured thinner on the four students and set it alight, causing severe burns.
Teachers immediately intervened and rushed the students to the Bissam Cuttack Community Health Centre (CHC) for primary treatment. They were later shifted to Christian Hospital at Bissam Cuttack for further care.
High School Headmaster Chandan Kalaka said, “How such an incident could occur in the presence of other teachers will be investigated. We are trying to understand the circumstances of the mishap.”
