Odisha Teacher Arrested for Alleged Rape of Minor Student

Incident Details

In Odisha, a teacher named Kunu Bhoi has been apprehended on charges of raping a minor student. This incident reportedly occurred on November 21 of last year when the teacher took an eighth-grade student to a science fair in Phulbani. On their return journey, he allegedly assaulted her.

Allegations Against the Teacher

The accused, Kunu Bhoi, teaches at Kanibali Higher Primary School in the Kateringiya Panchayat of Phulbani block. Following the incident, he is said to have repeatedly threatened the girl, coercing her into further assaults. Reports indicate that he would force her into sexual relations whenever the school was empty.

Family's Response

The victim's family remained unaware of the situation until she fell seriously ill. Initially, the girl was too frightened to disclose the teacher's name, but after much persuasion, she revealed the entire ordeal to her family. Upon learning that the teacher had assaulted their daughter multiple times from November to February, her family was outraged and filed a formal complaint at the Gochapada police station.

Teacher's Arrest

Under pressure from local leaders, including the women's president of the Biju Janata Dal, Poonam Kahur, and the chairperson of the Phulbani municipality, Payal Behera, the police were urged to take immediate action. After meeting with the Kandhamal SP, a special investigation team was formed, leading to the swift arrest of Kunu Bhoi. Kandhamal SP Harish BC confirmed that the police acted promptly upon receiving the family's complaint, gathering evidence and filing a case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act.