TV
Odisha police, on Tuesday, arrested a government school teacher in Jharsuguda district for allegedly misbehaving with two girl students.
The teacher, identified as Trilokanath Mohapatra, was taken into custody late Sunday night following a formal complaint lodged by the families of the two students at Laikera Police Station.
The incident reportedly took place in a school under the Laikera police limits, where the teacher was employed.
Allegations of Inappropriate Behaviour
As per the complaint, Mohapatra had been repeatedly calling the two students near him and allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct. The behaviour, reportedly sustained over some time, was brought to the notice of the victims’ families, who then alerted the Block Education Officer (BEO).
Preliminary reports indicate that the teacher had previously been flagged for similar behaviour. Acting on the initial complaint, the BEO had initiated departmental measures and decided to send the teacher on deputation as a preventive step.
However, following a formal police complaint by the students’ families, legal action was pursued.
Police Action and Community Response
Confirming the arrest, sources at Laikera Police Station said a case has been registered against the teacher and further investigation is underway. As of Monday afternoon, Mohapatra remains in custody.
Meanwhile, the incident has drawn mixed reactions from the local community.
While many parents have expressed concerns over the safety of their children, a few guardians have reportedly submitted a written plea in support of the teacher, urging the authorities to ensure a fair probe before concluding guilt.
However, the families of the victims have demanded stringent action and appealed for justice.
Official Silence on Probe Status
Aggravating concerns, the arrest comes close on the heels of the tragic death of a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who self-immolated after alleging sexual harassment by a senior faculty member.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the local police have yet to issue an official statement on the nature of charges or progress of the investigation.
The Block Education Officer is expected to submit a detailed report on the incident to district authorities. The School and Mass Education Department has not yet confirmed whether an internal inquiry will run parallel to the police probe.
In the wake of recent events, education stakeholders across Odisha are calling for a comprehensive review of teacher conduct protocols, student protection mechanisms, and institutional accountability in schools and colleges.
