Five School Staff Arrested for Assaulting Girl in Odisha

Five staff members at a private English-medium school in Odisha's Kendrapara district were arrested Saturday on allegations of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old Class 7 girl student over a period of more than a year. The incident, which reportedly occurred on school premises, prompted swift action from local authorities after the victim's family raised concerns.

The case surfaced on February 18 when the girl's mother learned of the abuse from her daughter and filed a written complaint with the Kendrapara District Child Welfare Committee. The victim's father also lodged a separate complaint at the Rajkanika police station, leading to an immediate inquiry. Committee members visited the school the following day, recorded the survivor's statement in line with legal protocols, and referred the matter to police for further action.

"We received the complaint on February 18 and began the investigation on February 19, considering the sensitivity of the matter," said Swagatika Patra, chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee. "We have recorded the statement of the survivor and conducted a visit to the school." The committee also directed the district education officer to launch a...