Keonjhar: Incidents of bullying and ragging could lead to severe repercussions and when it comes to schools it is more agonising. As many as 24 class VIII students of Basantpur Ashram School under Jhumpura block of the district fled hostel in fear of being tortured by their seniors late on Sunday night.
The incident happened after a Class VIII student was assaulted by a group of Class IX. While 21 out of the total missing students have returned to the residential school today, other three are still untraceable.
Meanwhile, the school administration could not be reached for comments on the incident.
Asked, district welfare officials said they contacted the parents of the missing students and found that they have not gone to their home either.
Sources said the Class IX students used to bully their juniors in spite of the knowledge of the school administration. The harassment took an ugly turn on Sunday night when a group of seniors beat up a junior. Apprehending further harassment 24 students jumped over the school boundary and fled.