Odisha: Five teachers have been arrested in Odisha's Kendrapara district for allegedly raping a Class 7 student for a year. Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

A rape case has been reported at a private English medium school in Odisha's Kendrapara district, where police have arrested five teachers for allegedly raping a Class 7 student for over a year. According to a PTI report, the case came to light after the minor victim narrated the incident to her mother last month. The family subsequently filed a complaint with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) on February 18, according to Child Welfare Committee member Swagatika Patra.

The day after receiving the complaint, a CWC team visited the school and began investigating the matter, which was deemed sensitive. Following this, the police registered a case under various sections of the POCSO Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and began investigating.

Police action

Kendrapada Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria said the victim's statement has been recorded and the five accused named in the FIR have been arrested. They will be produced in court on Sunday. The SP said, "This is a sensitive case. A team of senior officers from headquarters, part of the Women's Crime Cell, will monitor the investigation." According to police sources, all legal procedures are being followed in the case.

Accused of rape for a year

The family alleges that the student was repeatedly raped over a long period of time. It also alleges that some other teachers, including a female teacher, were trying to protect the accused. The accused also allegedly threatened the student not to tell anyone about the incident.

School administration's side

The victim's family says they informed the school administration about the incident, but no action was taken. The school principal said he learned of the incident only after the family filed a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation. The principal said, "The full truth will only be revealed after a thorough investigation."

Further investigation underway

Given the seriousness of the case, police and relevant agencies are conducting a thorough investigation. The administration has assured that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators and the victim will be provided with all possible legal and psychological support.

PC:ABPNews