Kendrapara Police Arrest Five School Staff for Repeated Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old Student

Kendrapara: In a swift and decisive operation, the Rajkanika Police have arrested five staff members of the Oxford English Medium School in Olaver following allegations of the repeated sexual assault of a 12-year-old student. The arrests were made on Saturday, February 21, 2026, just hours after the victim’s mother lodged a formal complaint detailing a harrowing ordeal of abuse and intimidation that had allegedly been silenced by death threats.

The case came to light after the complainant reported that her daughter was found crying inconsolably at home on January 14. Upon being gently questioned by her mother, the minor victim disclosed that she had been subjected to repeated sexual assaults by several teachers at her school. The child further revealed that the accused had threatened her with dire consequences to prevent her from reporting the matter to her family or the authorities.

Following the registration of the FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, police teams moved immediately to apprehend the suspects. Those taken into custody include teachers Chandan Kumar Prusty (37), Biswa Ranjan Sahoo (31), Rashmi Kanta Biswal (47), and Minati Bai (34), along with the school’s peon, Rashmi Ranjan Rana (32). The charges include serious sections of the BNS, specifically addressing gang rape, criminal intimidation, and common intention.

The investigation is currently being fast-tracked under the Swift Trial Initiative (STI). A forensic team has been dispatched to the school premises to collect evidence, while a senior woman police officer is recording the victim’s statement in a child-friendly environment as per Section 180 of the BNSS. To ensure the child’s well-being, the authorities have also facilitated immediate medical examinations and professional psychological counseling.

The Superintendent of Police, Kendrapara, is personally supervising the case, with the Deputy Superintendent of Police (IUCAW) assigned to lead the direct investigation. Odisha Police officials have emphasized their commitment to a sensitive and thorough inquiry, stating that every measure is being taken to ensure the rights of the child are protected and that justice is delivered with the highest degree of urgency.