A major controversy has erupted at the prestigious Buxi Jagabandhu English Medium (BJEM) School here after a former female teacher lodged a formal police complaint accusing the institution’s manager of sexual harassment, abuse of power, and criminal intimidation.
Based on the complaint, the Bhubaneswar Mahila Police have registered a case (Case No. 409) and initiated an investigation. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the complainant resigned from a secure job in 2021 to join BJEM School after receiving assurances from the management. However, she alleged that shortly after joining, the school manager subjected her to repeated unwelcome physical contact, called her alone into his chamber to pass lewd remarks, and inflicted severe mental harassment.
When she objected to the misconduct, she faced professional retaliation. The FIR states that she was allegedly forced to tender her resignation in the presence of the school principal under the pretext of fabricated complaints from parents. Even after leaving the institution, the accused allegedly continued to intimidate and blackmail her across various locations.
Prior to approaching the police, the complainant had sought intervention from the Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW). Following the Commission’s directive, the school’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) conducted an inquiry and recommended that the manager be stripped of administrative responsibilities. However, the complainant alleged that the school authorities failed to take any concrete action, compelling her to file a police complaint on November 14.
Police have booked the accused under Sections 75(2) (sexual harassment), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 296 (obscene acts and songs), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complainant has stated she is prepared to submit digital and documentary evidence—including WhatsApp chats, Messenger conversations, her resignation letter, and the OSCW action report—to support her claims.
When contacted for a comment on the ongoing investigation, the Mahila Police Station Inspector-in-Charge declined to provide a definitive statement. The incident has sparked renewed debate over workplace safety and institutional accountability for staff in private educational institutions across Odisha.
