Bhubaneswar: In a shocking incident, two students were allegedly beaten with a bamboo stick by the president of a School Management Committee (SMC) over a dispute involving just Rs 5 in Odisha’s Baleshwar district on Friday.  

The incident reportedly took place at Dhoba Chakurai Government Nodal Upper Primary School under Basta block, triggering anger among parents and raising serious questions about student safety on school premises.

As per reports, a student, identified as Manoranjan Behera, had taken Rs 5 from Ritesh Das, a Class-VI student.  

A dispute reportedly broke out between the two over the money.

Following the altercation, SMC president Shiva Prasad Jena allegedly thrashed the two students with a bamboo stick in front of the headmaster and other teachers of the school.

The incident has drawn criticism as the headmaster and other did not intervene to stop the beating.

After learning about the incident, parents expressed strong resentment and questioned the headmaster about what had happened. However, the headmaster allegedly denied that anything had taken place, prompting concerns that an attempt was being made to suppress the incident.

Parents have also questioned how a person who is not a member of the school staff could enter the school premises and allegedly physically assault students, particularly when schools are expected to maintain a safe and punishment-free environment.

The incident has raised concerns over the protection of children in educational institutions and the responsibility of school authorities to ensure students' safety.