Dibrugarh: The district administration on Friday ordered an inquiry into an incident at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Assam’s Dibrugarh, in which 12 Class VII students sustained superficial cuts on their hands after using blades removed from pencil sharpeners during a class break on Thursday.
According to school sources, the incident occurred on September 10 when the students reportedly treated the act as a “fun game”. One student initially cut his hand and challenged others to do the same.
The students took out the small blades from sharpeners kept in their geometry boxes.
The injuries were superficial and not serious, though slight bleeding was reported. School authorities said eight of the 12 students were administered tetanus injections, while the remaining students were provided with necessary medical care.
Dibrugarh District Commissioner Bikram Kairi visited the school on Friday and took stock of the situation. Inspector of Schools Kabita Deka also visited the institution.
The administration has entrusted Deka with conducting a detailed inquiry. The order, issued by Sub-Divisional Officer (Sadar), Dibrugarh, Samujjwal Borah, directed her to examine “all relevant facts and circumstances” and submit a comprehensive report to the District Commissioner within seven days.
The District Child Protection Officer has been asked to assist in the inquiry, while the school principal has been directed to extend cooperation.
The school authorities said a meeting with parents of Class VII students would be held on Saturday. Counsellors from Dibrugarh University have also been called to counsel the students.
“We are taking the matter seriously and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the students. Counselling and interaction with parents are important to understand the circumstances and ensure that such an incident does not recur,” a school source said.
The administration is also expected to facilitate counselling for the affected students and their parents as part of preventive measures.