With bow and arrows, youth captures Odisha school; massive operation underway

It is for the past five days that a youth has taken over a school in Odisha’s Sundargarh district. The youth, identified as Sudan Munda, has unleashed terror in the region by brandishing bows and arrows and slingshots.

On Tuesday, the Inspector-in-charge of Mahulapada police station sustained injuries after he was shot at by the accused youth with an arrow. The school is not functioning from its own building as the youth has captured the entire building and is allegedly attacking people with arrows and slingshots.

The students are also in a state of panic after the youth took over the school on Saturday last. The youth reportedly has also taken away the school ration including rice and is preparing meals for himself. The locals also fear walking on the road apprehending that the youth might shoot them with an arrow.

“The youth had entered our school on Saturday. He is now hiding at the top of the building. We are not able to go to school under such circumstances,” alleged a student.

A local resident said, “It appears that the youth is mentally unstable. He is armed with arrows and other weapons for which we are unable to pass through the main road near the school as well.”

Following the incident, a team of police and fire services team have reached the spot and are taking steps to capture the youth. Though attempts were also made last night, it had to be stopped midway.

SDPO Swaraj Debata said, “The youth is yet to be captured. We are taking steps to bring the youth down. We are trying to ascertain the exact motive behind the youth’s action. We are trying to engage him in conversation, but he is not responding.”

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