Bhubaneswar: A male warden of a school for the blind, deaf and mute in Kalahandi district of Odisha has been accused of sexually and physically abusing several students. The incident was reported to have taken place at the Red Cross School for the Blind, Deaf, and Mute in Paramanandapur in Kalahandi,
The warden, identified as Sandhya Darshan Mahapatra, is accused of touching and harassing girls inappropriately. Boys at the school alleged that reporting such incidents attracted harsh physical and mental punishment.
Following complaints from students, the district authorities have formed a committee to conduct a probe, according to an NDTV report. Visual footage reportedly showed the physically impaired students expressing distress through gestures.
A video reportedly show the warden making inappropriate physical contact with a girl student, despite her clear unwillingness. He touches her back and shoulder. In another image, he is seen touching a girl’s arm in a secluded, dark corner of the school.
Confirming receipt of complaints, Kalahandi District Child Protection Officer Shailendu Mahapatra said a committee, headed by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM-General), has been formed to investigate the matter. “We have received complaints against some employees regarding the harassment and sexual exploitation of children,” the report quoted him as saying.
Stating that a report will be submitted to the District Collector for appropriate action, he said the preliminary probe has been completed.
