Daspalla: (Reported by Ratnakar Hota): A disturbing incident has tarnished the sacred teacher-student relationship, as a teacher from a coaching centre in Daspalla has been arrested for allegedly harassing a female student. This incident highlights the increasing cases of student harassment in private coaching centres across the district, raising serious concerns about student safety.
The incident took place at the Gayatri Jnana Mandir coaching centre in Krushnachandrapur Patna village. A Class 8 student, residing in the hostel provided by the centre, was allegedly harassed by the coaching centre’s owner and teacher, Jayasen Sahu. According to reports, on August 26, the student was returning to the coaching centre from her home when the teacher picked her up. Instead of taking her back to the centre, he allegedly took her to a secluded location, showed her an inappropriate video on his phone, and harassed her.
Shaken by the experience, the student informed her family, who then confronted the teacher. Following this, the family filed a formal complaint at the Daspalla police station. The police swiftly arrested the teacher and are currently questioning him. Daspalla Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Mukesh Kumar Behera, confirmed that further investigation is ongoing.
This incident is just one of many cases of student harassment in private coaching centres, which have been rapidly increasing in Daspalla and surrounding areas. Despite the rise in such incidents, there has been no strict regulation or oversight from the authorities, allowing these centres to operate unchecked.
The public is now demanding immediate action from the administration to ensure the safety of students and prevent further incidents of harassment. This case serves as a reminder that educational spaces must be safe, secure, and respectful for all students.