Berhampur: Headmaster-cum-superintendent of a government residential school in Odisha’s Kandhamal, Manoranjan Sahu, was suspended following hospitalisation of eight students after some fellow hostel inmates allegedly applied Fevikwik to their eyes while they were asleep.

The shocking incident took place on Thursday night at hostel of Sebashram School in Salaguda under Phiringia block and came to light the next morning when the victims, belonging to Classes II to V, were unable to open their eyes.

“The headmaster has been suspended for dereliction of duty,” said Kandhamal Collector Vedbhusan, adding that a formal inquiry is underway.

He further stated that the administration might consider disciplinary action against the students involved.

Meanwhile, the affected students have been discharged from district headquarters hospital in Phulbani after their condition improved on Friday evening. Doctors said the adhesive had not entered the eyes, and the injuries were not serious.