Phulbani (Odisha), September 12: At least eight boys of a state-run tribal welfare residential (TRW) school in Kandhamal district were hospitalised on Friday after fellow students allegedly applied a strong adhesive to their eyes while they were asleep, police said.

The incident occurred at the Sevashram school in Salaguda.

The affected children, aged around 12 and studying in classes 4 and 5, were first taken to Gochhapada primary health centre. Seven of them were later shifted to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Phulbani for further treatment, a police officer confirmed.

One of the eight students was discharged from the primary health centre after he managed to open his eyes, police added.

Teacher’s account of the incident

"Around 7 am, I visited the hostel and found that eight students were unable to open their eyes. Later, I found out that some students applied an adhesive on their eyes," teacher Premalata Sahoo said.

She said she helped the boys brush their teeth and provided breakfast before taking them to the nearby health centre.

"We do not know whether there is any criminality behind this, but suspect that some students did it for fun. We are inquiring into the matter," Sahoo added.

Parents and local leaders react

Parents and local leaders demanded strict action against the wrongdoers. Local sarpanch Rohit Kahanra held the school teachers responsible for the incident.