Parents Suspect 'Tantric Influence' After Six Girl Students Fall Ill During Flag Hoisting in Odisha, Seek Rituals Instead of Medical Care

An unusual incident has come to light from Deogarh district of Odisha, where six girl students reportedly fell ill during an Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony. The incident was reported from Padianali UGUP School under Barkote Block.

According to reports, shortly after the national flag was hoisted, six girl students suddenly became unwell. Some of them reportedly fell to the ground and displayed unusual behaviour.

Parents Suspect Supernatural Influence, Resort To Rituals

Instead of immediately taking the students to a hospital for medical attention, some parents reportedly suspected that the girls were affected by a tantric or supernatural influence. The students were subsequently taken to the premises of Mahamaya, where they were laid down and rituals were performed.

District Education Officer Acts

After receiving information about the incident, the Deogarh District Education Officer reached the spot and spoke to the parents.

Following the intervention, three students were rescued and admitted to Barkote Community Health Centre for medical treatment. The condition of the other students reportedly improved.

Head Teacher on Students Falling Ill

Speaking on the matter, School's head teacher said, "At around 6 AM, we took the students for a village visit. After returning to school, the national flag was hoisted. Following the flag-hoisting ceremony, two girl students suddenly collapsed and became unconscious. A similar incident had also occurred around 25 days ago."

Later, a total of nine girl students collapsed. We immediately informed their guardians, who reached the school and took the students home, the teacher mentioned.

"After that, we informed the BEO (Block Education Officer) about the incident. The BEO advised that the students should be taken for medical examination and treatment.,” reads a statement issued by the head teacher.

The incident has raised concerns over the importance of seeking timely medical assistance when children suddenly fall ill.

Interestingly, a similar incident was reported just two days earlier at Naikula Government Tribal High School in Vijaynagar, Deogarh district.

At least, four girl students reportedly fell ill after having their midday meal. They were subsequently taken by a 108 ambulance to the Deogarh District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

The exact reason behind these incidents remains unclear. So far, there has been no clear response from the school authorities regarding what caused the students to suddenly fall ill.

Authorities are expected to ascertain the medical reasons behind the incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of students in schools.