Bhadrak: Tension gripped Kismat Krishnapur Government Upper Primary School under Nayakanidihi police limits in Basudevpur block of Bhadrak district on Monday after students staged a massive protest over alleged misconduct by an Odia teacher against a Class 8 girl.
According to reports, the incident occurred during school hours on Saturday when the school’s Odia literature teacher, identified as Gautam Sahu, allegedly called a Class 8 girl student to a secluded area and misbehaved with her. The girl’s father later lodged a complaint at the Nayakanidihi Police Station, seeking strict action against the accused.
Allegations also surfaced that the school headmaster and some female teachers attempted to suppress the matter. Demanding the immediate arrest and suspension of the accused teacher, along with action against the headmaster and other staff allegedly involved in the cover-up, students locked the school premises and took to the streets.
The agitating students blocked the Basudevpur-Dhamra road near Krishnapur square by burning tyres and staging a sit-in under the scorching sun. The road blockade reportedly continued for nearly five hours, severely disrupting traffic movement in the area. Two girl students participating in the protest fell ill during the agitation.
Despite the intense heat, the students remained steadfast in their demand for justice and were seen eating their food while sitting on the road around 4 PM.
The situation escalated when enraged locals allegedly assaulted some teachers and female staff members, forcing the school staff to flee from the spot. The headmaster was later admitted to the Basudevpur Community Health Centre for treatment.
Senior police officials, including Bhadrak Sadar SDPO Bichitrananda Sethi, along with Nayakanidihi and Basudevpur police personnel and the Additional Block Education Officer, rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. After prolonged discussions and assurances of appropriate action, the protest was withdrawn around 5 PM.
Police have initiated an investigation into the allegations, and further action is awaited based on the complaint filed.
