Nabarangpur: A serious allegation of sexual misconduct has surfaced against the headmaster of a Sevashram School under Tentulikhunti police station limits in Nabarangpur district, prompting both police and administrative action.
A Class VII girl student, along with her family, has lodged a formal complaint accusing the headmaster, Sukant Kumar Sadangi, of inappropriate behaviour. The complaint was submitted at Nabarangpur police station in the presence of BJD leader and former MP Pradeep Majhi.
According to the FIR, the incident allegedly took place on the night of April 15 when five girl students had gone to drink ORS. The complainant alleged that while the headmaster did not engage with the other four girls, he singled her out, caught hold of her hand, dragged her into a room, and allegedly touched her inappropriately.
The victim’s family stated that they had earlier approached the District Child Protection Officer, but no legal action was initiated at that time, with only a transfer being carried out. Dissatisfied with the response, they proceeded to file a police complaint seeking justice.
The complaint was submitted to SDPO Krishnachandra Bhatra, who stated that appropriate legal action would be taken once the case is formally registered.
Meanwhile, Pradeep Majhi has demanded the resignation of Odisha’s School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over the incident.
Responding to the development, Nityananda Gond said that strict action would be taken against all those found involved as per law. He also criticised the opposition, stating that such demands were being made to gain media attention.
In a parallel administrative move, Nabarangpur District Collector Maheshwar Swain has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the accused. Exercising powers under Rule 12(1)(c) of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962, the Collector has placed Sadangi under immediate suspension.
Sadangi, who was serving as Head Sevak (Headmaster) of Patraput Sevashram and was on deputation to the SSD High School at Singhsari, has been attached to the Umerkote Block Office during the suspension period. He has been directed not to leave headquarters without prior permission and will receive subsistence allowance as per Rule 90 of the Odisha Service Code.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.
