Rayagada: A disturbing incident of alleged ragging and assault at a government residential school in Odisha’s Rayagada district has triggered an official inquiry after a video purportedly showing senior students brutally beating junior hostel boarders went viral on social media.
The incident reportedly took place on Sunday night at Rivalakana High School in Kolnara block, where Class 10 students allegedly assaulted more than 20 Class 9 hostel boarders using coconut fronds and sticks. The video of the assault surfaced on Tuesday, prompting swift administrative action.
According to reports, the violence was allegedly triggered after some Class 9 students complained to teachers about the conduct of a Class 10 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.
Hostel in-charge Dambarudhar Tripathy said disciplinary action has been initiated against the main accused student. He said the student would be expelled from the school and a complaint has been lodged with the local police.
Following reports of the incident, Kolnara Block Welfare Extension Officer Debashish Munda visited the school and conducted a preliminary inquiry.
District Welfare Officer Asima Rao said she has directed the Kolnara Block Welfare Extension Officer to submit a detailed investigation report. She added that the Rayagada Collector has been informed about the incident.
The assault has reportedly left hostel boarders frightened, raising concerns over student safety and supervision in the residential facility. Questions have also been raised about the circumstances under which the assault took place, the presence of hostel authorities during the incident, and whether there was any lapse in ensuring the safety of students.
Officials said further facts would emerge after the departmental inquiry is completed, while police are expected to examine the allegations based on the complaint filed by the school authorities.
