Baripada, Jan 9: A private tutor from Udala town in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district has been accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old boy, a source said.

The minor's family filed a written complaint at Udala police station after the child reported the incident and was found to be seriously injured, the source added.

The alleged assault occurred at a private coaching centre after classes ended.

The accused, Chinmay Patra, forcibly engaged in unnatural sexual acts with the minor student, according to the complaint.

Following the allegation, Patra fled the area. The coaching centre's banner and signboard were removed, police said.

An investigation is underway.

According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2023, released in September 2025, India recorded 177,335 crimes against children — a 9.2% increase from 162,449 cases in 2022. Kidnapping and abduction accounted for 45% (79,884 cases), while Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act violations made up 38.2% (67,694 cases), highlighting persistent vulnerabilities.

In Odisha, 8,577 cases were reported in 2023, up from 8,240 in 2022, with a crime rate of 59.5 per lakh children. Kidnapping dominated (nearly 6,000 cases), followed by 2,381 POCSO offences, mostly against girls. Experts attribute rising numbers partly to improved reporting and awareness, though sexual assaults remain a grave concern.