Seven Students Expelled From Rayagada School After Ragging Incident Sparks Parents’ Protest

Bhubaneswar: Seven Class X students of Rivalakana High School in Odisha’s Rayagada district have been expelled after their alleged involvement in a ragging and assault incident targeting junior hostel students.

The action was taken after a video showing the assault surfaced on social media, triggering widespread outrage among parents and local residents.

On Wednesday, over 100 parents assembled at the school in Kolnara block and staged a protest, demanding strict disciplinary action against the accused students and the transfer of the headmaster. The demonstration created a tense atmosphere, following which officials, including Chandili police station officer Uttam Kumar Sahu and District Welfare Officer Asima Rao, reached the campus to hold discussions with the agitating parents and restore order.

Following the protest, the school administration expelled seven Class X students found to be connected to the incident.

Earlier, after the video went viral on Tuesday, the school had expelled one student and lodged a police complaint against six others. According to reports, the accused students had temporarily fled to nearby hills but later returned after the situation eased.

Preliminary information suggests the violence erupted after some Class IX students complained to teachers about the behaviour of a Class X student and his associates. The teacher reportedly reprimanded the accused, following which he allegedly led a group of classmates in assaulting the junior hostel boarders in an act of retaliation.

Authorities are continuing their inquiry into the incident while ensuring the safety and well-being of the hostel students.