In a disturbing incident that has rocked the Kendrapara district of Odisha, five staff members from a private English medium school have been arrested for the repeated sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl student.
The case, registered on February 21, 2026, highlights grave concerns over child safety in educational institutions.
The victim, a seventh-grade student at Oxford English Medium School in Olavar under Rajkanika block, was allegedly subjected to prolonged abuse by four teachers and a peon.
According to the complaint filed by the girl’s mother at Rajkanika Police Station, the assaults involved various forms of coercion, threats, and enticements. The child revealed the ordeal on January 14, 2026, when she was found crying at home, but the matter was reported to authorities only on February 21.
Police acted swiftly upon receiving the written complaint around 1:50 PM. Led by Station Officer Sanjay Mallick, a team raided the school and apprehended all five accused within hours. The arrested individuals are:
– Chandan Kumar Prusty, 37, Teacher
– Biswa Ranjan Sahoo, 31, Teacher
– Rashmi Kanta Biswal, 47, Teacher
– Minati Bai, 34, Teacher (allegedly assisted in the crime)
– Rashmi Ranjan Rana, 32, Peon
The case has been filed under Sections 65(2), 70(2), 60, 49, 351(2), 351(3), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 4 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. This invokes charges related to rape, gang rape, criminal intimidation, and child sexual exploitation.
Investigation is progressing under the Swift Trial Initiative (STI) for expedited justice. A forensic team has been dispatched to the school premises for evidence collection. The victim is undergoing medical examination, and her statement is being recorded by a senior woman police officer in a child-friendly setting under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Further recording before a Judicial Magistrate under Section 183 BNSS is planned. Psychological counselling and support are also being provided.
The probe is directly overseen by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, IUCAW, Kendrapara, with personal supervision from the Superintendent of Police (SP), Kendrapara. The SP visited the station around 4 PM to monitor developments.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage in the region. A large crowd gathered at the police station following the arrests. The event has created a sense of shock and condemnation, underscoring the need for stricter safeguards in schools.
Odisha Police has emphasized its commitment to handling the case with utmost sensitivity, protecting the victim’s dignity, and ensuring swift legal action against the perpetrators. Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
