Baripda: A government school teacher in Mayurbhanj district has been suspended following serious allegations of sexually harassing multiple minor girl students under the guise of play.
The accused, Pramod Kumar Mahanta, was serving at the Pratima Deipur Government Upper Primary School, falling under the Betnoti Block Education Office (BEO). The allegations surfaced after a female colleague submitted a formal written complaint. The complaint was reportedly substantiated by a viral video clip purportedly showing Mahanta engaging in inappropriate conduct with students.
Responding swiftly, the Betnoti Block Education Officer (BEO) Biplab Kar placed Mahanta under suspension with immediate effect.
The BEO has also constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident thoroughly.
“Preliminary findings indicate the teacher engaged in inappropriate behaviour with minor girls, masking it as play,” stated Betnoti BEO Biplab Kar.
“A detailed investigation is currently underway, and the committee’s report will be submitted to higher authorities promptly,” Kar added.
Disturbingly, sources indicate that similar allegations against Mahanta had been raised in the past, raising significant questions about prior oversight and the effectiveness of earlier responses.
The incident has ignited outrage among parents and the local community in Pratima Deipur. Many are demanding stringent legal action against the accused and calling for concrete measures to ensure the safety and security of children within schools.
