TV
In a tense protest on Monday morning, students of Unit-1 Girls High School gathered outside the school's main gate, locked the gate, and staged a Dharna (sit-in) in front of it, demanding justice over their teacher Dilip Kumar Badapanda’s arrest last month.
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According to sources, the school teacher was accused of making inappropriate comments and engaging in harassment towards nine female teachers. The protest, which started at 9.00 AM, saw students lock the main gate of the school as part of their sit-in.
The arrest had occurred on July 21, when Badapanda was apprehended by police for alleged misconduct, with charges of verbal abuse and physical mistreatment. Some students later claimed that the charges against the male teacher were false and fabricated, while others expressed their grievances regarding the alleged incident.
The local police, along with the Block Education Officer (BEO) and Headmistress-in-charge, have been on-site, attempting to mediate between the students and the administration.
While some of the school students participated in the protest, others reportedly continued attending classes. The situation remains tense as both sides demand resolution.
“Nine teachers had raised allegations against the HM Sir (former Headmaster Badapanda). He has never misbehaved with us at any time that we have spent with him during school hours. However, we know this much: he used to get angry and scold students for their mistakes and for not doing their work,” an agitating student said to OTV.
“We do not agree to the sexual harassment charge framed against him,” the girl stated.
“We will keep continuing the sit-in so long as our Head Sir does not come back and join the school. We want assurances in writing. When enquired about this, Ma’am (Headmistress-in-charge) told us that the Head Sir is on a long leave,” another agitating girl rued.
“There are several CCTVs installed in the school. If the Head Sir has ever misbehaved with the female teachers, let them show the proof of it (in footage),” the second girl added.
No comments were received from the concerned school authorities and the police.
