A horrifying incident at a government high school in Odisha's Rayagada district has left four young students with severe burn injuries. The tragedy unfolded on Monday afternoon when a fellow student allegedly threw a paint thinner substance at them and then lit a match.
Details of the Shocking Incident
The event occurred at around 3 pm on Monday. According to police, the injured students had gone towards the toilet area when the attack took place. Another student, whose father is reported to work at the school, is alleged to have thrown the thinner used in painting materials and subsequently ignited it with a matchstick.
The screams of the burned children alerted teachers and other school staff, who rushed to the spot. They provided immediate assistance and arranged for the students to be taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
Condition of the Injured Students
Of the four victims, three are 12-year-olds whose condition is now reported to be out of danger. However, the situation remains grave for a 10-year-old student, who is in critical condition. This youngest victim is currently undergoing intensive treatment at the Rayagada district headquarters hospital.
Investigation and Aftermath
Local police authorities have confirmed they are actively looking into the circumstances that led to this dangerous act. Officials are in discussion with the school administration to understand the full sequence of events and the environment that may have contributed to the incident.
The mother of one of the injured children has come forward, identifying the accused student and linking his family to the school. This tragic event has raised serious questions about safety protocols, the presence of hazardous materials on school premises, and student supervision.
The community in Rayagada is in shock as the investigation continues to uncover how such a dangerous substance was accessible to students and what prompted this violent act. The focus remains on the recovery of the injured children, especially the critically ill 10-year-old.
