Balasore, Jan 30: Police seized a firearm from the schoolbag of a Class-VIII student at Das Mohapatra Banchhanidhi Government High School, Srijung, under Khantapada police station limits in Remuna block of Balasore district.

The incident came to light on Thursday afternoon during school dispersal when some students noticed the firearm in the possession of the minor and informed teachers. Following this, the school committee was alerted and Khantapada police were informed.

Police personnel initially reached the spot in plain clothes on a motorcycle and attempted to take the student to the police station. This triggered objections from members of the school managing committee and locals, who questioned the police action as the personnel were not in uniform while on duty. Assistant Sub-Inspector Uday Narayan Bhokta was reportedly detained by locals for some time, leading to heightened tension in the area.

Later, Khantapada police Sub-Inspector Bikram Kumar Mahapatra and additional police personnel reached the school and held discussions with the school authorities and villagers. The situation remained tense for several hours and continued into the night before police managed to defuse the situation through persuasion.

After discussions, the student was released into the custody of his mother, police said. The firearm was seized and taken to the police station.

Also Read: Gold Hits Rs1.78 Lakh, Silver Surges Past Rs4 Lakh in India

Police launched an investigation to ascertain how the minor obtained the firearm, who provided it to him, and for what purpose. Further inquiry is underway, officials said.