Odisha: Seniors slash Class 6 student’s hand, rub salt into wounds

Bhubaneswar: A shocking case of student brutality has emerged from a hostel in Khunta block, Mayurbhanj district, where a Class 6 tribal student was allegedly tortured by senior inmates.

Sources reveal that the boy was tied up, his hand slashed with a blade, and salt rubbed into his wounds. The incident came to light when he refused to return to school after the holidays. Horrified, his parents learned of his ordeal upon questioning him.

According to the victim, a group of senior students frequently consumed alcohol on the hostel terrace. When he reported them to the headmaster, they retaliated with violence. He was locked in a room, beaten mercilessly, and subjected to severe physical abuse. The seniors also threatened to kill him if he disclosed the assault, forcing him into silence for weeks.

“I heard noises from the terrace and found seniors drinking. After I informed the headmaster, they called me, tied my hands, and attacked me. They even cut my hand with a blade and rubbed salt on the wounds,” the victim recounted.

The boy’s parents have filed a complaint at Khunta Police Station, prompting an investigation. A case has been registered, and authorities are probing the matter.

Disturbingly, the attack occurred on March 28, but school officials failed to inform the parents. The victim’s father expressed outrage: “My son didn’t tell me earlier. When I contacted the headmaster, he admitted that the accused students’ parents had been called, and undertakings were taken. But why weren’t we informed? The headmaster and hostel authorities are equally responsible.”

The incident has triggered widespread anger, with parents and local residents demanding strict action against the perpetrators and accountability from school authorities.

“This is a sensitive matter. An investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty,” assured inspector Panchanana Mohanta of Khunta police station.