Ragging incidents reported at two tribal schools in Sundargarh district
Two incidents of alleged ragging have been reported at government-run tribal residential schools in Sundargarh district, Odisha.
Two incidents of alleged ragging and physical assault have been reported at government-run tribal residential schools in Sundargarh district, Odisha.
The first incident occurred on Thursday at Deokaranpur residential school, located at Jarangloi in Bargaon block, where a group of Class IX students allegedly assaulted a Class VI boy in the hostel.
The victim’s parents said they were neither informed about the incident in time nor was the child provided immediate medical attention.
"They did not inform us on time and the boy was not given medical help right away," the parents alleged, adding that they rushed him to the Bargaon community health centre (CHC) in an ambulance after learning about the assault.
The boy had contusions on his back and thighs, and a cut on his lip.
On Friday, the aggrieved parents, accompanied by villagers and a local panchayat samiti member, staged a protest at the school and raised concerns over student safety.
In‑charge District Welfare Officer (DWO) Bibekanand Mohanty said the Deokaranpur school has no warden for its hostel.
An inquiry found that the four Class IX students accused the victim of stealing a watch before assaulting him, Mohanty added.
The second incident took place on August 13 at Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in the Sadar block of Sundargarh, run under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
A Class VI boy was allegedly bullied by a Class VII student who forced him to perform around 800 sit‑ups while holding his ears for failing to comply with instructions.
The junior was allowed to stop only after he became exhausted.
The matter surfaced on August 17 when the boy complained of uneasiness during a physical education training (PET) session.
He reportedly had swollen thighs and complained of pain in his legs, was taken to a nearby hospital, and later narrated the incident to the EMRS principal.
DWO Bibekanand Mohanty said an inquiry had been launched into the incident at EMRS.
He also pointed out that the school has four hostel buildings situated at different points but only one warden.
Mohanty said authorities of both schools have been instructed to strictly adhere to standard safety protocols and take adequate measures, including regular awareness programmes, to prevent physical or verbal abuse, bullying and harassment on campuses.
He noted that anti‑bullying committees are functioning across tribal residential schools in the district.
Related Coverage
What happened at the Deokaranpur residential school?
A Class VI boy was allegedly assaulted by a group of Class IX students.
What happened at the Eklavya Model Residential School?
A Class VI boy was allegedly bullied by a Class VII student.
Why were the students not provided immediate medical attention?
The victim's parents claimed they were not informed about the incident in time.
What measures have been taken to prevent physical or verbal abuse on campuses?
Authorities have been instructed to strictly adhere to standard safety protocols and take adequate measures.
What is the current status of the inquiry into the incidents?
An inquiry has been launched into both incidents.
How many hostel buildings does the Eklavya Model Residential School have?
Four hostel buildings are located at different points, but only one warden.
Who is the in-charge district welfare officer of Sundargarh?
Bibekanand Mohanty.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
View all articles by Ansuya →
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