Bhubaneswar, Nov 10: In a shocking incident, two Class IX students of a private school in Balangir allegedly jumped into a pond while trying to escape ragging and harassment by senior students.

According to reports, the incident took place at a hostel located in the Palace Line area. The two students, who were staying as boarders, reportedly climbed over the hostel boundary wall and fled the premises after allegedly being harassed by their seniors.

However, the senior students reportedly chased them. Panicked by the pursuit, the two boys jumped into Maharani Sagar pond at Ichhapada in an attempt to escape.

A major tragedy was averted due to the timely intervention of local residents. An elderly person who witnessed the incident alerted nearby youths, who immediately rushed to the pond and rescued both students from the water.

Following their rescue, the boys alleged that they had been beaten inside the hostel by senior students. However, the school management reportedly denied the allegations.

Meanwhile, Balangir Town police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident. The police have initiated an investigation and recorded statements from the students and school staff.

The two minors were subsequently handed over to their respective families. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident and verify the allegations of ragging.

Powered by Froala Editor