Debagada: Nine schoolgirls reportedly displayed unusual behaviour during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at a government school in Odisha’s Debagada district on Saturday, triggering panic among students, teachers and parents.
Three of the girls were admitted to the Barkote Community Health Centre (CHC), while the remaining six were taken by their families to a village temple for traditional healing. Officials said all the affected students are now stable.
The incident occurred at the Government UG UP School in Padianali village under Barkote block shortly after the flag-hoisting ceremony and cultural programme began.
According to school authorities, one girl suddenly started behaving abnormally and crying. Within minutes, eight more girls exhibited similar behaviour, prompting teachers to intervene and arrange immediate medical assistance.
Three students were rushed to the Barkote CHC, where they were treated under medical supervision. The families of the other six girls took them to the Mahamayee Temple in the village, where traditional healing rituals were performed.
After being informed about the incident, Debagada District Education Officer Gendera Kujur visited the Barkote CHC to assess the condition of the students and review the treatment arrangements. Health officials attending to the girls said their condition is stable and there is no immediate cause for concern.
The exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.
