A case of rape has come to light in a private English medium school in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, where the police have arrested 5 teachers for allegedly raping a class 7 student for more than a year. According to PTI report, the matter came to light when the minor victim told the entire incident to her mother last month. After this, the family lodged a complaint with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) on 18 February. This information was given by Child Welfare Committee member Swagatika Patra.
The next day after receiving the complaint, the CWC team visited the school and started investigating the matter and termed it as sensitive. After this, the police registered a case under various sections of the POCSO Act and the Indian Justice Code (BNS) and started investigation.
police action
Kendrapara Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria said that the statement of the victim has been recorded and the five accused named in the FIR have been arrested. He will be presented in court on Sunday. SP said, ‘This is a sensitive matter. A team of senior officers from the headquarters, which is part of the Women’s Crime Cell, will monitor the investigation. According to police sources, all legal procedures are being followed in the case.
Rape charges for one year
The family alleges that the student was repeatedly raped over a long period of time. It has also been alleged that some other teachers, including a female teacher, were trying to protect the accused. The accused had also allegedly threatened the student not to tell anyone about this.
school administration side
The victim’s family says that they had also informed the school administration about this, but no action was taken. The school principal said that he came to know about the incident only after the family lodged a complaint with the CWC. On the matter, the principal said, ‘The whole truth will come out only after a detailed investigation.’
Further investigation continues
Considering the seriousness of the matter, police and related agencies are engaged in detailed investigation. The administration has assured that strict action will be taken against the culprits and all possible legal and psychological assistance will be provided to the victim.
