T. Rampur (Kalahandi): The district administration Wednesday suspended the headmaster of Sirimksa Residential School in Thuamul-Rampur block of Kalahandi district from service on charges of sexual harassment.
The accused headmaster was identified as Balakrushna Mohapatra. The HM was suspended by the district school inspector for allegedly sexually assaulting a Class X girl student of the school.
The victim, being threatened of dire consequences, kept mum. The matter came into light after the victim informed about the incident to the district collector. In her complaint, the minor girl said she was sexually harassed during Ganesh puja this year.
While the children were busy in the Ganesh puja celebrations, the HM raped her inside the school premises. The victim also alleged that the headmaster threatened that he would not allow her to appear in the 10th board exam if she discloses the matter to anyone.
Acting on the complaint of the victim, the district school inspector conducted an inquiry and found Mohapatra guilty. Initially, Mohapatra was served with a show-cause notice. Fearing problem, she kept quiet.
Based on a complaint by the girl, the district collector had launched a probe into the incident. As the accused could not come up with satisfactory answers, he was suspended. Further departmental action would be taken against him, sources said.
“A complaint has been lodged against the HM. The girl’s statement was recorded under Section 164 CrPC and she was taken for a medical examination. Further investigation into the incident is on,” Biranchi Narayan Dehuri, Bhawanipatna SDPO stated.
Meanwhile, the accused headmaster has been reportedly absconding fearing his arrest.
PNN