Odisha Police arrested Prashant Kumar Senapati, a government block assistant engineer, for allegedly sexually assaulting nine minor boys at the Bhanjabhumi Sanskrit Vidyalaya hostel in Harishchandrapur village, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
The abuse reportedly happened earlier in the week when Senapati called the boys one by one to an under-construction toilet block on the school premises and touched them inappropriately, threatening them to keep silent.
The victims reported the assault to their headmistress, Sebati Mohanta, who immediately filed a complaint. Senapati was arrested, denied bail, and was sent to judicial custody as investigations continue.
Incident Background
Senapati visited the school around 9 am to inspect construction work and used the pretext of questioning the hostel students to isolate them. By evening, he took the same group of boys to a secluded, unfinished toilet block to commit the abuse. The headmistress’s quick action to lodge an FIR led to police intervention.
The incident has shocked the local community, raising urgent concerns about child safety in government-run institutions and the accountability of officials entrusted with public duties.
Community and Official Responses
Police have been thorough in their investigations, with the court rejecting Senapati’s bail application highlighting the severity of the charges. Local activists and residents demand stringent punishment and improved safety measures in educational hostels.
The headmistress stated firmly that such behaviour deserves strict action. Authorities have promised transparency and assured they will take all necessary steps to prevent future violations and protect vulnerable children.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This harrowing case foregrounds the critical need for robust child protection frameworks and vigilant oversight of institutional care environments. The Logical Indian insists on the uncompromising safeguarding of children’s rights with empathy and justice. Strong citizen and institutional accountability can create safer spaces where children’s dignity is preserved.
Disclaimer: If you witness or experience any form of child abuse, speak up. Call the Childline helpline 1098, it’s toll-free, confidential, and available 24×7. Together, we can protect every child’s right to safety and dignity.
