Bhubaneswar: Police on Friday started an investigation into allegations of some unidentified goons trying to abduct four students of a reputed private school at Naypalli.

The school authorities, though initially reluctant to bring the matter to the notice of the police, intimated them about the incident on Friday.

The goons tried to trick and lure the students belonging to classes III and IV into accompanying them on Monday and Tuesday. While in the case of three students, the accused lied to them that their parents had met with accidents and had asked the children to accompany them. They had also tried to lure the kids with chocolate.

However, the children refused to go with them. "We started an investigation after the school authorities intimated the matter to us today (Friday). The police station concerned has been asked to keep a vigil on movement of outsiders in front of the school. We also urge the parents to train their kids not to receive anything from strangers. We also advise the school authorities to report such matters immediately to the nearest police station," said deputy commissioner of police Anup Kumar Sahoo.

The incident has triggered the panic button among parents. "A number of cases related to mob assault to suspected child-lifters have been reported in the state recently. Besides, a number of videos related to child trafficking are currently being circulated on social media. Police should intensify patrolling around the school areas to identify suspicious elements," said Hrusikesh Mishra, a parent.

The police said they would shortly ask the school authorities to take a stock of their security arrangements.

"We will ask them to install CCTV cameras at the entrance of the school. Most private schools deploy private security guards who need to be vigilant and identify suspicious elements. Besides, we will ask the school authorities to keep the details the drivers and the vehicles transporting schoolchildren," said a police official.

Murder arrest

Balia Nayak, 42, was arrested on Friday for allegedly killing his friend over a petty matter at Chandaka area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. The murder took place on Thursday night.

Police said the accused would be forwarded to the court on Saturday.