Bargarh: The police have detained the owner of a private ladies’ hostel in Bargarh town on charges of sexually assaulting an inmate Friday night.
The detainee has been identified as Sudhanshu Padhi, owner of Padhi Ladies Hostel.
According to the complaint, Padhi called upon the victim, a Plus II student, to the storeroom of the hostel and touched her inappropriately.
Following the incident, the victim lodged a complaint with Bargarh Town Police and submitted a video in this connection to prove her claim.
The police have booked the accused under Sections 354 and 354 (A) of IPC and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.
On the direction of the district SP, a committee will be formed soon to deal with all sexual exploitation incidents at ladies’ hostels across the district, reports said.
The panel comprising NGO members, Magistrate and police officials will visit hostels.
PNN