Balasore, Jan 30: A potentially serious situation unfolded at Das Mohapatra Banchhanidhi Government High School in Srijung, within the Khantapada police station area of Remuna block in Odisha’s Balasore district, after a firearm was found in the schoolbag of a Class VIII student.

The matter came to attention on Thursday afternoon during dispersal time when fellow students spotted the weapon and immediately alerted teachers. School authorities then informed the school management committee, which in turn notified the police.

Soon after, police personnel arrived at the school in civilian clothes on a motorcycle and attempted to take the minor to the police station. Their approach drew strong objections from members of the school managing committee and local residents, who questioned why the officers were not in uniform while performing official duties. The situation escalated, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Uday Narayan Bhokta was reportedly held back by locals for a brief period, adding to the tension.

To bring the situation under control, Khantapada police Sub-Inspector Bikram Kumar Mahapatra later reached the spot along with additional force. Prolonged discussions were held with school authorities and villagers, as the tense atmosphere persisted for several hours and extended into the night. Eventually, police managed to calm the crowd through dialogue.

Following the talks, the student was handed over to his mother, while the firearm was seized and taken to the police station. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine how the minor acquired the weapon, who supplied it, and the intent behind carrying it to school. Further probe is ongoing, police said.