Malkangiri: A headmaster in Malkangiri district has been accused of sexually harassing a Class VI student, prompting outrage among villagers and parents who have lodged a complaint with education authorities.
The incident was reported at MV-9 School under Gaudaguda panchayat in Malkangiri Sadar block.
According to the complaint, headmaster Prashant Kumar Samantaray allegedly pressed the boy’s private parts and made obscene remarks. Since the incident, the boy has not attended school for 15 days out of shame, family members said. The boy’s father submitted a written complaint to the Block Education Officer (BEO), August 26. However, villagers said no action has been taken against the accused even after 10 days.
Angry villagers gheraoed the school demanding immediate action September 5. Informed, CRC coordinator Ranjit Nayak reached the spot and tried to pacify the protesters.
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Villagers also alleged irregularities in the mid-day meal scheme, mismanagement of government funds, and misconduct towards other teachers. They claimed that although the school management committee chairperson does not receive OTPs on his phone during fund withdrawals, money is still being withdrawn without transparency.
Records show Samantaray has a history of disciplinary action. He was earlier suspended from Tangapalli School over a mid-day meal scam. He was also arrested and jailed for misbehaving with a teacher at MV-4 School.
Similarly, he was suspended from MV-1 School over misconduct with a female teacher. At Daniguda School, he allegedly misbehaved with the then headmaster, Suresh Chandra Mallik and created divisions within the village. Altogether, Samantaray has faced suspension four times and served jail terms in the past.
Villagers alleged that despite repeated complaints, the Education department is trying to suppress the matter.
Block Education Officer Rabindra Nath Dhar confirmed that a complaint has been received. “An inquiry is underway. Action will be taken based on the findings,” he said.
PNN
