Male Warden Abuses Deaf and Blind Children in Odisha School
A warden at a government-aided school for blind and deaf children was arrested after multiple students accused him of sexual abuse, leading to protests and an official investigation.
A male warden, Sandhya Darshan Mahipatra, at a government-aided Red Cross School for blind and deaf children has been arrested after serious allegations of sexual abuse by several students.
The matter came to light when some children informed their parents about the abuse they faced while staying in the school hostel. Many of the students, who are deaf or blind, used gestures, written notes and video clips to express their distress and explain what had happened to them.
In some of the videos, the warden is seen dragging girls and making inappropriate physical contact despite their clear discomfort. In one image, he is seen touching a girl’s arm in a dark and isolated corner of the school. Students also showed through gestures that they were uncomfortable and tried to resist.
Some boys from the school have also come forward. They alleged that when they tried to complain to teachers or administrators, they were punished physically and mentally instead of being protected.
After the allegations surfaced, the Kalahandi District Child Protection Officer confirmed that authorities had received multiple complaints against staff members at the school. A special committee has been formed to conduct a detailed investigation. A report will be submitted to the District Collector, and further action will be taken based on the findings. Officials said that if the charges are proven, strict legal action will be taken against the accused.
The incident led to protests by angry parents and local residents, who gathered outside the school demanding justice. Many said that schools should be safe places for children, especially for those with disabilities, and not places of fear.
Parents have demanded stronger monitoring by the government, including regular background checks of staff, quick action on complaints, and proper training in child protection and disability sensitivity.
Disability rights activists have said that this case should be a wake-up call for authorities to improve safety systems in all residential schools in Odisha and across the country.
