Ex-headmaster jailed for sexual assault of 5 kids

BALANGIR: A special Pocso court on Friday sentenced a former headmaster of an upper primary school to 20 years in prison for the sexual assault of five girl students in the district last year. The accused, Biswanath Buddhia (59), was convicted under various IPC sections as well as provisions of the Pocso and SC/ST Acts. "He was also ordered to deposit a fine of Rs 50,000, failing which the prison term will extend by two more years," said Priyaranjan Bohidar, special public prosecutor, Pocso court.

On August 25, 2022, Buddhia was locked inside the classroom by villagers after a girl narrated her plight to her parents. Police rescued Buddhia and registered an FIR against him. The district education authority suspended the headmaster the same day. The girl, who was studying in Class VI then, said Buddhia would frequently call one or other students to his chamber. There, he would force them to undress and would touch their private parts. He threatened to expel the students if they informed their anyone