Bhubaneswar: Seven Class X students have been expelled from Rivalakana High School in Kolnara block of Rayagada district following a serious ragging and assault incident involving junior hostel boarders.
The move came after a video of the assault went viral and triggered strong protests by parents. On Wednesday, more than 100 parents gathered at the school and staged a demonstration demanding immediate transfer of the headmaster and strict action against the senior students involved in the assault and torture of junior inmates. The situation turned tense, prompting Chandili police station officer Uttam Kumar Sahu, District Welfare Officer Asima Rao and other officials to reach the spot and pacify the agitating parents. Subsequently, school authorities have expelled the seven Class X students linked to the incident.
Earlier, following the viral video on Tuesday, one student had been expelled and a police complaint lodged against six others. The seven students had reportedly gone into hiding in nearby hills but returned after the situation calmed.
It is pertinent to mention that the violence was allegedly triggered after some Class IX students complained to teachers about the conduct of a Class X student and his associates. Following the complaint, the teacher reportedly warned the accused student, who allegedly retaliated by leading a group of classmates in attacking the junior hostel boarders.
