A Sanskrit teacher at a government high school in Sundargarh, Odisha, has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment by multiple girl students. The teacher, identified as Aditya Patra, was serving at the PS Government High School in Gurundia block.
At least seven girl students came forward to the school’s headmistress, claiming Patra had sexually harassed and misbehaved with them during school hours. The headmistress immediately filed a written report with the Gurundia police.
Acting on the report, Sundargarh’s Additional District Education Officer (ADEO), Sarangdhar Bariha, issued a suspension order against Patra for “gross misconduct.” The order stated that Patra would be suspended with immediate effect and his headquarters during the suspension would be the Block Education Office in Gurundia. He is barred from leaving without prior approval.
A police case has been registered based on the complaint. Officers from the Gurundia police station have begun recording statements from the students and are actively investigating the allegations. ADEO Bariha stated that the suspension was a necessary step to ensure an impartial probe and protect the students’ safety.
