In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of anger and concern across Odisha, five staff members of a private English medium school in Rajkanika area of Kendrapara district have been arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl student.
The accused include teachers and a female attendant, who are alleged to have either directly participated in or facilitated the abuse of the minor over several years.
Survivor Speaks Out After Years of Alleged Abuse
The case surfaced after the Class 7 student confided in her parents about the trauma she had allegedly endured. According to the complaint filed by the family, the abuse reportedly began when the girl was in Class 4 and continued for a prolonged period.
Shocked and devastated, the family immediately sought intervention from the authorities to ensure justice and the safety of their child.
Child Welfare Committee Flags ‘Red Category’ Case
The victim’s family first approached the District Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which conducted a preliminary 48-hour internal inquiry into the allegations. Given the seriousness and sensitivity of the case, the CWC classified it as a “red category” matter and referred it to the police for urgent legal action.
Officials stated that such categorisation is reserved for cases involving extreme vulnerability and immediate risk to the child.
Swift Police Action Under SP Supervision
Acting under the direct supervision of the Kendrapara Superintendent of Police, Rajkanika police launched a rapid investigation. Statements of the survivor were recorded, and medical examinations were conducted as part of the legal procedure.
Inspector-in-Charge Sanjay Mallick confirmed that the arrests were made based on the complaint lodged by the victim’s father and inputs from the CWC.
“Based on the preliminary evidence and the survivor’s statement, five individuals have been arrested. Further investigation is underway to ensure a strong and watertight case,” he said.
Police sources indicated that additional evidence is being gathered, and more charges could be added depending on the outcome of the ongoing probe.
Protests and Political Reactions Erupt
The incident has triggered widespread outrage in the district and beyond. Local residents staged protests demanding strict punishment for the accused and stronger safety mechanisms in educational institutions.
The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) submitted a memorandum to the Superintendent of Police, urging the administration to ensure the harshest possible punishment under the law.
Child rights activists have also called for a comprehensive review of safety and monitoring systems in private schools, stressing the need for stricter background checks and regular audits.
Focus on Victim Protection and Support
District authorities have stated that the safety and psychological well-being of the minor remain the top priority. Arrangements for counselling and protective measures have reportedly been put in place as legal proceedings move forward.
As investigations continue, the case has reignited debate over child protection mechanisms in schools and the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent such heinous crimes in the future.