Rayagada: A disturbing case of ragging has rocked Rivalakana High School in Kolnara block, where seven Class X students were expelled after a shocking assault on junior hostel boarders came to light.
The incident triggered outrage when a video of the attack went viral, prompting over 100 parents to storm the school on Wednesday. They staged a protest demanding the immediate transfer of the headmaster and strict punishment for the seniors involved.
The situation grew tense until Chandili police officer Uttam Kumar Sahu, District Welfare Officer Asima Rao, and other officials intervened to pacify the agitating crowd.
School authorities later expelled the seven accused students. Earlier, one student had already been dismissed and a police complaint lodged against six others. Investigators revealed the violence stemmed from a retaliation: Class IX students had complained to teachers about the conduct of a senior, who then allegedly led his classmates in attacking juniors.
Police said the expelled students briefly went into hiding in nearby hills before returning. The case has sparked wider debate on student discipline and hostel safety in Odisha's schools.