Class 7 student escapes 'sexual assault' attempt; teacher detained in Odisha’s Bhadrak

Tension prevailed in a locality of Odisha’s Bhadrak district after a Class VII student narrowly escaped an alleged sexual assault attempt by a school teacher late on Friday night. The minor reportedly fled the premises by scaling the hostel boundary wall and later took shelter in a nearby village house.

After finding the distressed girl, villagers immediately informed the police. Officials soon reached the spot, rescued the student and detained a teacher for questioning in connection with the incident. The accused teacher allegedly threatened the student with dire consequences if she reported the matter to the school authorities.

Narrow Escape and Police Intervention

According to local sources, the girl managed to escape by climbing over the hostel boundary wall to evade the alleged attacker. She later reached a nearby village, where residents provided her shelter and informed the police.

A local resident, Sunilata Jena, said the girl arrived at her house early in the morning.

“The girl came to my house around 5 am. After hearing about the incident, I informed other villagers and later took her to the police station,” she said.

Meanwhile, the accused teacher has denied the allegations, claiming that no such incident took place. He alleged that someone was attempting to malign his reputation and said the student was like his daughter. The teacher also stated that he had been working at the school for the past eight years.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are recording the statement of the victim.

Rising Unrest Over Campus Safety

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of students in residential schools in the area.

Local residents and parents have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and stronger safety measures within school campuses.

Authorities said appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.