Kendrapada School Horror: Five Staff Members Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of Minor Student
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, three teachers, a peon, and a woman teacher from a private English medium school in Kendrapada district were arrested on Saturday. They are accused of allegedly raping a Class VII student multiple times over a grueling two-year period.
Details of the Alleged Crime and Arrests
The case came to light after the 12-year-old survivor's father, a plumber working in Delhi, lodged a First Information Report (FIR) on Saturday. He alleged that three teachers and a peon had sexually assaulted his daughter repeatedly on the school premises when no one else was present. The perpetrators reportedly threatened the young girl into maintaining silence about the horrific abuse.
The woman teacher was arrested for allegedly abetting and concealing the crime. According to the survivor's account, this teacher facilitated the abuse by taking her to the school's rooftop, enabling the other accused to carry out their acts.
How the Case Unfolded
The ordeal began to surface when the girl refused to attend school on January 14. Her mother, concerned by this sudden change in behavior, questioned her daughter. It was then that the child courageously disclosed the harrowing details.
She revealed that three teachers, aged 37, 31, and 47, along with a 32-year-old peon, had sexually assaulted her on several occasions. The 28-year-old woman teacher was implicated for her role in enabling these attacks. The survivor's mother had previously complained to the school principal last month about inappropriate behavior by the teachers, but tragically, no action was taken at that time.
Official Response and Investigation
The survivor's father approached the District Child Welfare Committee (CWC) after returning home on Friday. "After receiving the complaint, we visited the school and spoke to the girl, her parents, teachers, staff, and the principal," stated Swagatika Patra, chairperson of the committee. "The survivor told us she had been sexually assaulted by three teachers and a peon multiple times in the past two years, and that a woman teacher took her to the rooftop. We advised the father to lodge an FIR. Police are investigating and CWC is monitoring the case."
All five accused were arrested under multiple legal provisions:
- Sections 65(2) for rape of a girl under 12 years
- Section 70(2) for gang rape of a minor
- Sections 351(2) and 351(3) for criminal intimidation
- Section 3(5) for common intention under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Sections 4 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act
The woman teacher faces additional charges under sections 49 (abetment) and 60 (concealment) of the BNS.
Medical Examination and Judicial Proceedings
The survivor was medically examined at a government hospital, according to Kendrapada Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria. All five accused were produced before a court on Saturday, where their bail pleas were rejected. They have been remanded in judicial custody.
The minor girl was presented before a judicial magistrate to record her official statement, a crucial step in the legal process.
School Background and Community Reaction
The 24-year-old school, which has approximately 600 students and 20 teachers, now faces intense scrutiny. A women's team from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Minati Rout, chairperson of Rajkanika block, met with the survivor and her parents on Saturday. They subsequently spoke with police officials, demanding strict and immediate action against all accused individuals.
This case highlights serious concerns about child safety in educational institutions and the effectiveness of existing protective mechanisms. The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure justice for the young survivor.
