Bettiah: Panic spread among students at the Govt Upgraded Secondary School at Bhawal in Ramnagar block of West Champaran district, after a venomous black cobra was spotted inside a classroom on Wednesday.

According to headmaster of the school, Mukesh Kumar Rai, the snake has been seen several times around the school in the last one week, appearing at times in the toilets and classrooms. “While classes were underway on Wednesday, students heard the hissing sound of a cobra. The class teacher quickly evacuated the children and we immediately informed the forest department about the snake sighting,” he said.

Recounting the frightening moment, student Aditya Kumari, said, “We were studying when we heard the hissing sound. On closer look, we saw a cobra with its hood raised in the corner of the classroom. Everyone rushed out in fear. The snake has been roaming around the school for last few days, and we are all scared during classes.”

Forest department’s snake catcher, Mohammed Kayamuddin, responded to the call and searched the premises, including classrooms and toilets, but the cobra could not be located. “It’s possible the snake is hiding in a hole. If it reappears, we’ll return to capture it. Meanwhile, students must remain cautious and avoid provoking it,” he advised.