Harassment / Mayurbhanj Headmaster Arrested for Harassing Minor

Mayurbhanj, Oct 13: A shocking case of sexual misconduct has surfaced from an Ashram School in Mayurbhanj district, where the headmaster was arrested for allegedly harassing a minor girl student.

According to police, the accused headmaster, Srikrushna Patra of an Ashram School under Raruan police limits, allegedly called a Class VI student to his office on September 25. With doors and windows shut, he reportedly misbehaved with the girl.

The victim later informed two hostel matrons about the incident, but they allegedly suppressed the complaint. Distressed, the student contacted her parents over the phone and narrated the ordeal. Acting on the information, her father lodged a written complaint at Raruan police station.

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Police registered a case against Patra under BNS Sections 206/75, 77, 78, RWL Sections 8, 10, 12, and the POCSO Act. During investigation, the headmaster was found absconding. However, on Monday night, police apprehended him and produced him in court the following day.

This incident comes close on the heels of another case in Balasore district, where a teacher of Jaynagar Government Primary School under Chandipur police limits was caught red‑handed by villagers for repeatedly misbehaving with a Class V girl during recess.

The enraged locals handed him over to police, leading to his arrest under POCSO provisions. Police investigations in both districts are ongoing.