Teacher dismissed

The district administration on Tuesday dismissed a Gana Shikshak of Simulia area for allegedly establishing physical relationship with a minor Dalit girl and getting her pregnancy terminated.

The locals, however, accused the police of shielding the teacher of Muruna UGME school, Pradip Panda, as he is still at large even five days after a complaint was lodged. 

Panda allegedly had a physical relationship with a 16-year-old Dalit girl of Muruna village and forcibly terminated her six-month pregnancy at a private nursing home in Bhadrak.

District Project Coordinator of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan Prasanta Kishore Mohapatra said Panda had been disengaged from the service on the grounds of moral turpitude, following an inquiry.

The father of the girl had earlier committed suicide after the incident came to light. Later, the victim lodged a complaint with the Simulia Police against Panda, a father of two.

Sadar SDPO Kailas Chandra Parida and investigating police officer Chinmayee Sahu, meanwhile, have recorded the statement of the victim. Sahu said efforts are on to arrest Panda.