Class 6 Student Hospitalized After Being Forced to Consume Alcohol by Seniors in Ganjam School

Asika, Ganjam (Oct 25): In a deeply troubling incident, a Class 6 student from Pudugeswar village under Asika block in Odisha’s Ganjam district was hospitalised after allegedly being forced to consume alcohol by three Class 8 students inside the school premises.

The victim, Ashutosh Behera, was admitted to Asika Sub-Divisional Hospital in critical condition.

Medical staff administered treatment for over five hours, including induced vomiting through medication. The Additional Cluster Education Officer, Shibaram Behera, visited the hospital to assess the situation and consult with attending doctors.

The incident occurred at the local primary school, which runs classes from 1st to 8th standard. At the time, only two of five teachers were present, as three had been reassigned under the Surabhi program. This staffing gap reportedly left students unsupervised, enabling the incident to unfold.

According to reports, the senior students allegedly pinned Ashutosh down, covered his eyes, and forced him to drink alcohol.

The source of the alcohol and how it entered the school remains unknown, raising serious concerns about campus security and supervision.

Ashutosh’s father, Santosh Behera, was informed by school staff and rushed his son to the hospital with help from local residents. He has demanded a thorough investigation and immediate steps to improve the school’s safety environment.

The incident has sparked outrage among parents and community members, who are questioning the school’s oversight and demanding accountability from the education department.