Phulbani (Odisha): Eight boys of a state-run tribal welfare residential (TRW) school in Odisha's Kandhamal district were hospitalised on Friday after some fellow students allegedly applied a strong adhesive to their eyes while they were asleep, police said.

The incident occurred at the Sevashram school in Salaguda. The affected students, aged around 12 years and studying in Classes 4 and 5, were first taken to Gochhapada primary health centre. Seven of them were later shifted to the district headquarters hospital in Phulbani for further treatment, a police officer said.

One of the boys was discharged from the primary health centre after he regained the ability to open his eyes, police added.

“Around 7 am, I visited the hostel and found that eight students were unable to open their eyes. Later, I found out that some students applied adhesive to their eyes,” said teacher Premalata Sahoo. She added that she helped the boys brush their teeth and have breakfast before taking them for medical aid.

“We do not know whether there is any criminal intent behind this, but suspect it may have been done for fun. We are inquiring into the matter,” she said.

Parents and local leaders, however, demanded stringent action against the culprits. Local sarpanch Rohit Kahanra blamed the school teachers for negligence.