Class 9 student flees Khowai Jawahar Navodaya School alleging ragging by seniors

A Class 9 student of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Laltila, Khowai District, reportedly fled the school on Saturday evening to escape alleged ragging by senior students.

The incident has sparked concern over the safety and discipline inside the residential school campus.

According to the student, Class 10 students frequently force him to do various chores and subject him to harassment if he refuses to comply. 

"The ragging has been increasing day by day. Unable to bear the torture, I decided to run away and returned to my home in Sipaihao under Khowai police station," the student told reporters.

Following his disappearance from the hostel, the school authorities lodged a missing diary with the Khowai police station. However, the boy's family claims he fled due to mental distress caused by persistent ragging and threats from seniors.

Locals allege that this is not the first such incident reported from Khowai's Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. They also expressed discontent with the school's administration, particularly accusing Principal Arpita Shukla of inaction despite being informed about repeated instances of ragging on campus.

"Such incidents are not new in this school. But no strict steps are being taken to prevent them," said a concerned resident.

The police have confirmed that they are looking into the matter, while the education department is yet to release an official statement.