Tribal girl students accuse teacher of sexually harassing them

Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 (PTI) Four girl students of aresidential tribal school in Orissa''s Rayagada district haveaccused a teacher of sexually harassing them, prompting theauthorities to launch a probe.

"I have received complaints from the girl students whohave levelled charges of sexual harassment against one oftheir teachers," Rayagada District Collector Nitin BhanudasJawale said today.

The matter is being investigated and if the allegationslevelled by the girl students of "Kanyashram" are found truestringent action would be taken against the accused, he said.

"We will not hesitate to initiate strong action, includingdismissal of the accused, if the charges are proved," theCollector said.

The girls in their complaints alleged that the assistantteacher had been harassing them sexually for quite some time,creating fear among them.

The teacher was using vulgar language with them andshowing obscene gestures, the girls claimed, adding that theaccused threatened to oust them from the school if theydisclosed the matter to anyone.

The girls said they had fled the school two days ago dueto fear before lodging complaints with the district collector.

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