Bhubaneswar: Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has launched an inquiry into allegations that the hostel superintendent of Bhima Bhoi Govt High School for the Blind harassed visually impaired inmates of its hostel.According to students, hostel superintendent Chandrasekhar Pradhan physically assaulted them in an alleged drunken state during a prayer session at the hostel on July 12. Subsequently, a few girl students also alleged that they were subjected to harassment and inappropriate behaviour by Pradhan.The students claimed that when they approached the school headmistress with their complaints, no action was taken against the hostel superintendent, prompting them to seek OSCPCR’s intervention.
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Following the allegations, Pradhan was suspended.OSCPCR chairperson Babita Patro said on Saturday that students had accused the hostel superintendent of physical, mental and sexual harassment.“Some students, both girls and boys, alleged that they were physically abused by the superintendent, who would often come to the campus in an inebriated state. We have spoken to the students as well as the school staff,” said Patro.The commission has issued a showcause notice and sought an action taken report (ATR) within seven days from the school headmistress, the district education officer, the district social security officer and the local child protection officer. It will decide on further action after examining the report.Refuting the students’ allegation that the school administration failed to act on their complaints, headmistress Kalashree Dash said the matter was being investigated. “We have taken the allegations seriously and are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all children in the hostel. A new hostel superintendent has already been assigned to oversee the hostel’s safety and administration,” she said.
