Class 8 Student Assaulted by Seniors in Koraput Residential School

Koraput: Concerns over ragging in government-run residential schools have resurfaced after yet another incident was reported from Laxmipur block in Odisha’s Koraput district. A Class 8 student, identified as Abhilash Saunta of Lachamani village, was allegedly tied up and brutally beaten by four seniors at Panchada Sevashram hostel.

According to his parents, the boy’s hands and feet were bound before he was thrashed mercilessly. Critically injured and traumatised, Saunta was later found hiding by the roadside by an auto driver, who rushed him to Kakirigumma hospital. His parents, on being informed, immediately reached the spot and shifted him in a 108 ambulance to Laxmipur Community Health Centre for treatment.

Narrating his ordeal, the victim claimed that his seniors had also threatened to kill him if he revealed the incident. Following this, his parents lodged a complaint with the police.

The incident has triggered outrage among guardians, who alleged that Panchada Sevashram, which houses over 400 students, has witnessed repeated cases of ragging and violence in the past year. Despite repeated complaints, the headmaster has allegedly failed to intervene, allowing harassment and bullying to continue unchecked on the school premises.

Police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.