The headmaster of a state-run residential school at Tentulikhunti area of Odisha’s Nabarangpur district was suspended after a Class 7 tribal girl student lodged a police complaint, alleging sexual harassment, officials said.
The student, aged 14 years, lodged the complaint at the Patraput police outpost and alleged that the headmaster had sexually harassed girl students.
According to her complaint, the incident occurred on April 15 when the headmaster summoned five students to his room. While four of the girls were instructed to drink ORS water, the student alleged that the headmaster touched her inappropriately.
She alleged that she managed to escape the room and fled the school hostel the following day.
On being asked about the reason which led to the filing of complaint after 10 days of the alleged incident, the girl’s father explained that the family initially sought recourse through the District Welfare Officer (DWO).
Alleging that no action was taken at the departmental level, the family, with the help of local BJD leader Pradeep Majh, approached the police and submitted the written complaint.
District Welfare Officer Rabindra Palaka said that the headmaster had initially been transferred from the school to facilitate an impartial inquiry.
“The internal complaints committee of the school was looking into the matter. Based on the recommendation of that committee, the headmaster was suspended on Saturday,” Palaka said.
The school operates under the state’s SC & ST Development, Minorities, and Backwards Classes Department.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Krushna Chandra Bhattara emphasized that legal action will follow, stating, “Appropriate action will be taken as per the law. Whoever the accused may be, if sufficient evidence is found, necessary legal steps will follow.”
Majhi alleged that several girls were subjected to similar harassment, but one student has now gathered the courage to speak out.
Additionally, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said that a detailed investigation is underway and assured that if the accused is found guilty, he will face the consequences.
