Lady Teacher Alleges Sexual Harassment By Headmaster In Odisha School

Balasore: A lady high school teacher engaged in Krushnabhanu High school in Baliapal area has brought charges of sexual harassment against the headmaster of the school Ratikanta Jena.

The lady Sanskrit teacher alleged that Jena made amorous advances towards her on numerous occasions despite her protests over last one year. As per the complainant, Jena was forcing physical relationship with her besides threatening her with dire consequences in case of divulgence of the matter.

Narrating about the matter, the lady teacher said, "After dodging a lot of his advancements, finally one day, he pulled my clothes. When I resisted, he threatened to sack me from my job reminding me that it's a block grant school and the Headmaster can sack any sub-ordinate teacher."

"I met the District Education Officer (DEO), lodged a complaint in the local police station and even tried to attract attention of the district collector through his grievance cell, but got no help from who-so-ever," added the lady Sanskrit teacher.

Refuting the allegations, Jena however said, "These are all baseless allegations framed to tarnish my image. On the specific incident mentioned by the lady teacher, though I was present at the school that day, I wasn't with her at all."

Reacting to the media in connection with the matter, Minister of Mass Education department, Samir Ranjan Dash said, "I have directed the DEO of Balasore to furnish a detailed report on it. Based on the report which is likely to be submitted by this evening, action against the accused will be taken if proven guilty."