Mayurbhanj, December 4: A headmaster and peon of a government-run school were beaten up by locals on Monday for sexual misconduct. Locals also locked the duo who were later rescued by the police. The incident took place Hatipatuka residential high school in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. Peon was then booked on the basis of the complaint lodged by the girl’s mother.

The girl had complained against the school peon, identified as Rabindra Sahu, to her parents that he was harassing her since the last few days. On Monday, enraged locals of Panchupalli, Khirpada, Hatipatuka and nearby villages stormed the school and detained the headmaster and peon. Although, the headmaster tried to calm the mob, they did not relent and started beating Sahu. SRM University Students Stage Protest on Campus Alleging Inaction on Sexual Harassment Complaint.

When the headmaster intervened, he too was assaulted. Locals then locked the duo inside a room. On being informed, the police reached the school and rescued the headmaster and the accused. Locals accused the headmaster and the peon of forcing students to do their personal works. They also alleged that students who refused to do their personal chores were tortured.

“The duo also forced the girls to clean their clothes and bedroom. Some students have also accused the headmaster of touching them inappropriately,” locals told a leading daily. Students alleged they had complained about the substandard quality of food being served in the school but the headmaster didn't pay heed.

After assaulting the headmaster and the accused, locals also blocked the road between Manitri and Baisinga demanding action. The blockade was withdrawn after police assured to look into the matter. An investigation was underway against the peon.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 04, 2018 08:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).