Odisha sends team to Tripura over alleged students' torture

The Odisha government on Thursday deputed a high-level team after Odia students of the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan in Tripura were allegedly tortured and harassed.

Higher Education Department's Director B. Parmeswaran and Shree Jagannath Sanskrit University's Vice Chancellor Radha Madhab Dash have been deputed to Agartala.

"On Wednesday night, we received information of some untoward incident having taken place at Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan in Agartala where the Odia students complained against some locals harassing them. Our immediate step is to ensure safety and security of the Odia students. We have sent a team for inquiry," said Department Secretary Bishnupada Sethi.

Around 90 Odia students along with 10 teachers posted an online video on Wednesday night narrating their ordeal and requesting for help.

As per their allegation, the students including girls were attacked by a group of classmates for not participating in a strike during Ganesh Puja celebrations.

Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) R.P. Sharma spoke to his counterpart in Tripura over phone and told him to make necessary arrangements to ensure safety and security of the students.

"When I got to know of the incident, I spoke with DGP Tripura. Subsequently, the Superintendent of Police visited and has assured of security and help. I am closely monitoring the situation," Sharma said.

Meanwhile, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday spoke to Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb about the alleged attack and pleaded for the students' safety.

--IANS

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