Teacher detained over ‘misconduct with minor girl student’ in Odisha school

A science teacher, identified as Tapan Kumar Mishra, was detained on Friday by local police following allegations of inappropriate behaviour with a minor girl student at a high school in Deogarh district.

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According to sources, the teacher has been detained at the police station over allegedly inappropriate behaviour toward a female student at Kundheigola High School in Deogarh. Police are investigating after detaining science teacher Mishra. He will be produced in court after the victim’s statement is recorded.

It is alleged that the science teacher behaved inappropriately with a minor girl student at the school. A complaint was made yesterday accusing him of teaching “lessons of love” in school under the pretext of Valentine’s Week.

The mother of a Class 8 student filed a written complaint against the teacher at the Kundheigola Police Station. Police have registered a case under Section 12 of the POCSO Act and Section 75 of the BNSS and initiated an investigation.

Allegedly, the teacher used to call girl students aside and behave inappropriately. During Valentine’s Week, he asked them about the significance of each day and even told them to bring chocolates on Chocolate Day; he even gave chocolates to them.

Science teacher Mishra would call students individually and misbehave with them in this manner. The matter came to light after the Class 8 student informed her family.

Following discussions by the school Management Committee, an FIR was lodged.

Authorities confirmed that Mishra will be taken into custody after the victim’s statement is recorded. The police officials stated that he will subsequently be produced before the court following completion of formal procedures.

The incident triggered strong reactions from parents, who locked the main gate of the school and demanded strict action against the accused teacher, along with his transfer.

Responding to the situation, the District Education Officer (DEO) said that an inquiry has been ordered and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.

“I have not received any complaint yet, but I personally called the headmistress and asked about the incident. The child’s parents are there (at the school), and they will submit a report on what happened after discussing it,” Deogarh DEO, Gendera Kujuru, said.

Reported By: Siddhartha