Odisha Crime Branch Initiates Preliminary Inquiry into Harassment Allegations
The state crime branch in Odisha has officially launched a preliminary inquiry into serious allegations concerning the harassment of a Bengali-speaking schoolgirl in Keonjhar district. This decisive action follows a directive issued by the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on December 30, 2025, with the order becoming publicly available this past Sunday.
OHRC Hearing Reveals Disturbing Complaints
The commission conducted a joint hearing for two interconnected cases. The first was filed by a minor girl student attending a school in Keonjhar district, and the second by the girl's mother. In her complaint, the mother alleged that her daughter faced regular harassment specifically because she is a Bengali-speaking resident living in Odisha. The mother further contended that this ill-treatment extended into the school environment itself.
A critical aspect of the girl's complaint was the allegation that she was denied admission to Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV) for Class VI. This denial was reportedly due to the school authority's failure to issue her a necessary transfer certificate.
Disputed Facts Lead to Crime Branch Investigation
The OHRC took cognizance of this sensitive case and held a hearing in March of the previous year. During these proceedings, the headmistress of the school in question categorically denied all allegations made by the student and her mother. Faced with these conflicting accounts, the commission determined that the matter involved disputed questions of fact requiring deeper investigation.
The OHRC's order explicitly stated, "Since this is a disputed question of fact, this commission wants this case to be investigated by the crime branch, Odisha, regarding the complaint of harassment of the girl student and mother duo and non-supply of TC to the child."
A senior police officer confirmed the development, stating, "We have received the order and started an inquiry." This marks the formal beginning of the crime branch's probe into the allegations.
Commission Issues Recommendations for Future Action
In addition to ordering the investigation, the Odisha Human Rights Commission also put forward a significant recommendation. The commission advised the OAV authority, with particular emphasis on the Keonjhar district magistrate, to consider releasing a seat from the discretionary quota in the upcoming academic session for Class VI. This recommendation is specifically intended to benefit the complainant, potentially offering a resolution to the admission issue at the heart of the case.
The inquiry now underway by the crime branch is poised to examine the detailed allegations of harassment and administrative obstruction, seeking to establish the facts in a case that touches on issues of linguistic identity, student rights, and institutional accountability within the state's education system.
