A deeply disturbing incident has come to light at the Salaguda Sevashram School in the Phiringia block of Kandhamal district in Odisha, where eight students were hospitalized after their classmates allegedly glued their eyes shut while they were sleeping. The victims, all boys around 12 years old and studying in classes 4 and 5, were asleep in their hostel when the incident occurred.

Fellow students reportedly applied Fevikwik, a strong adhesive, to the eyelids of the sleeping children. The incident came to light the following morning when the affected students woke up in pain and were unable to open their eyes. Hearing their screams, other students and hostel authorities rushed to help.

The children were initially taken to the Gochhapada Community Health Center. However, due to the seriousness of their condition, seven of the students were transferred to the Phulbani District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for specialized care. Medical officials have confirmed that the students are receiving treatment and are under close supervision. Doctors who examined the children at the Gochhapada health center carefully washed their eyes with antiseptic and warm water. Doctors have certified minor injuries to the eyes and have stated that prompt medication prevented any permanent loss of sight.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among parents, local leaders, and child rights activists. Parents are blaming the lack of supervision by teachers and hostel staff for the incident. Local residents have expressed shock and are calling for stricter monitoring in hostels to prevent similar incidents from happening again. Child rights activists are demanding a thorough inquiry, emphasizing that the safety and mental well-being of students in residential schools must be a top priority.

The District Welfare Officer (DWO) of Kandhamal visited the hospital to assess the situation and ensure the children were receiving proper care. The local Sarpanch, Rohit Kanhar, alleged that teachers do not attend the school regularly and that he has repeatedly informed the district administration, block development officer, and DWO about the mismanagement at the school, but no action has been taken. He demanded a thorough inquiry and strict action against the teachers.

This incident raises serious questions about the safety and supervision in Sevashram hostels and the psychological environment among young students. Some suggest it was a prank gone wrong, while others fear it indicates a troubling mindset among the children. The incident serves as a grim reminder that mischief or negligence in childcare institutions can lead to dangerous consequences and highlights the urgent need for stronger vigilance and accountability in residential schools.

Authorities have launched an inquiry into the matter and have suspended the headmaster of the school. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the act was rooted in mischief or criminal intent. The students who applied the glue have not yet been identified.

This is not an isolated incident highlighting the conditions in Odisha's tribal residential schools. In March 2025, reports surfaced detailing 26 student deaths in eight months, exposing dire conditions and inadequate management in these institutions. These residential schools, run by the ST & SC Development department, have faced scrutiny due to deaths, suicides, and pregnancies of inmates, pointing to gross mismanagement.