In a significant legal development, a headmaster in Odisha’s Balasore district has been handed a five-year prison sentence by a POCSO court for the molestation of a minor student. The special judge, Ranjan Kumar Sutar, also imposed a Rs 3,000 fine on Ganesh Chandra Sahu, the convicted headmaster. The disturbing incident took place when a class 10 female student went to fetch water on the school premises.

The accused headmaster, during the heinous act, allegedly threatened severe consequences if the victim disclosed the incident to anyone. The brave survivor, however, mustered the courage to share her ordeal with her family, prompting her father to lodge a complaint with the Singla police station in 2020.

Following the legal proceedings, Sahu was arrested and faced charges under various sections of the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This judicial outcome underscores the commitment to ensuring justice and safeguarding the rights and well-being of young students within the education system.

Source: PTI

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