Odisha schoolgirl ‘gang-raped by her teachers’: Know when a case is tagged as ‘Red Flag’

A disturbing case of a minor school girl allegedly gang-raped by her teachers at a private English medium school in Rajkanika block of Kendrapara district was placed on Sunday under the ‘Red Flag’ category by Odisha Crime Branch.

Also Read: Kendrapara class 7 student ‘rape’ case: Five including four teachers arrested

The classification means the case is now officially treated as extremely serious, sensitive and high-priority. Under the system used by the Odisha Police, Red Flag status is applied mainly to grave crimes involving women and children. A senior officer will directly supervise the investigation. A charge sheet is expected within a maximum of 60 days in such cases.

According to sources, with the ‘Red Flag’ tag, investigators must file a charge sheet within 60 days of the FIR lodged. Authorities will also ensure the swift presentation of witnesses in court to accelerate the trial process. Senior officials, including the DGP, Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW), and Child Welfare Committee (CWC), will conduct regular follow-ups.

The survivor will be provided with security, adequate medical support and counselling.

Worth mentioning, the case involves allegations that the minor girl, aged around 12–13, was subjected to sexual abuse over several years. Three male teachers, a peon, and a female teacher accused of aiding them, are allegedly involved in the abuse incident. Given the gravity and sensitivity of the matter, the Crime Branch stepped in with enhanced oversight.

Rajkanika police confirmed that the arrests were made following the registration of a case under the POCSO Act. The individuals are currently being interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation. The exact role of the female teacher in the case has not yet been established. At the time of reporting, it remained unclear whether she had been directly facilitating the assault, assisted the four male staff of the school or had prior knowledge of the abuse.

“We received the complaint on February 18 and launched the investigation on February 19, as it is a sensitive matter. We have recorded the statement of the survivor and visited the school for an inquiry,” said Swagatika Patra, chairperson of the Kendrapara CWC.