Rayagada: A disturbing incident of alleged student violence has surfaced from a government-run school in Odisha's Rayagada district, where a group of Class 10 students allegedly assaulted Class 9 students with a cricket bat and coconut tree petioles over a disciplinary dispute.

The incident took place on Sunday night at Revolkana High School in Kolnara block, but came to light after a video of the assault surfaced on social media on Tuesday.

According to reports, the violence was triggered after some Class 9 students complained to a teacher about the behaviour of a Class 10 student and his associates. Acting on the complaint, the teacher reportedly warned the senior student.

Enraged by the warning, the accused student, along with several of his friends, allegedly attacked the Class 9 students using a cricket bat and coconut tree petioles. The victims sustained injuries in the assault, raising serious concerns over student safety on the school campus.

Following the circulation of the video, the headmaster-in-charge lodged a complaint with Chandili Police Station, seeking legal action against the accused students.

The incident has also prompted intervention from the district administration. Rayagada District Collector has issued a show-cause notice to the school authorities, seeking an explanation regarding the circumstances that led to the assault and the safety measures in place for students.

School hostel in-charge Damburudhar Tripathy said disciplinary action has been initiated against the main accused student.

"We have recommended the expulsion of the main accused student. A complaint has also been lodged with the local police," Tripathy said.

Meanwhile, Kolnara Block Welfare Extension Officer Debasish Munda visited the school and conducted a preliminary inquiry into the incident.

The District Welfare Officer said the Block Welfare Extension Officer has been directed to submit a detailed report on the matter.

Police have begun an investigation based on the complaint, while the school administration and district authorities are examining the incident. Further action is expected after the inquiry report is submitted.