A group of around 20 young men stormed SB High School in Machipada village, Nayagarh district, resulting in injuries to at least two students and one teacher on August 2nd. The attack occurred in broad daylight, with the mob forcibly entering the school premises and assaulting individuals amidst ongoing classes.
The intrusion happened while students were engaged in their lessons. When a teacher tried to intervene, he was also attacked by the assailants. Despite the presence of several teachers and school managing committee members, they were unable to prevent the assault, as reported by Edex Live.
Preliminary reports suggest that the attack may be connected to a previous altercation between the school's students and local youths. Last month, a dispute erupted when a cricket ball from a game played near the school landed inside the premises. An argument ensued when some students refused to return the ball, leading to heightened tensions between the groups.
On July 24, there was a previous attempt by the same group to enter the school and confront the students, but teachers and residents thwarted this. In response, the school authorities filed a police complaint, which might have inflamed the attackers further.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sudhakar Sahoo confirmed that the injured individuals have been treated at the district headquarters hospital. The police have reviewed CCTV footage from the school and are actively investigating the incident. Authorities have vowed to take stringent action against those responsible for the violent disruption.