Five teachers from a private school in Odisha’s Kendrapara district were arrested on Saturday for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. Police made the arrests after the father of the Class-7 student and the district child welfare committee filed separate complaints. The complaints at the Rajkanika police station alleged the teachers sexually abused the minor.
The girl’s parents contacted the district child welfare committee. Their daughter had accused the teachers of prolonged sexual abuse. The committee investigated the claims. It then brought the matter to the police.
Investigation and Arrests
A complaint was officially lodged on February 18 . Child welfare committee member Swagatika Patra stated, “After a 48-hour-long investigation, we referred the case to the police for legal action.” The committee also asked the district education officer to conduct a separate inquiry.
Rajkanika police station inspector-in-charge Sanjay Mallick confirmed the arrests. “The accused teachers were arrested on the basis of a preliminary investigation. Further probe is underway,” Mallick said. Police have not released the names of the arrested teachers.
Community Reaction
The incident has drawn criticism. The opposition BJD submitted a memorandum to the Kendrapara Superintendent of Police. They demanded stringent punishment for those found guilty.