Basta/Balasore: Even as waves of protest grip Odisha following a series of crimes against women recently, police have arrested two school teachers on similar charges in Basta block of the State's Balasore district today. The duo was held over sexual harassment allegations by a Class 9 student.

The main accused was identified as assistant teacher Harischandra Bej of PN High School in Chamar village within Raibania police limits. Bej, who taught Maths in the school, was taken into custody along with  headmaster Bhabani Shankar Pal after they were accused of inappropriate behaviour outraging the modesty of the minor girl. They were picked up by cops on Sunday night following a written complaint by the student's family on the day.

In the complaint, the student accused Bej of making obscene gestures at her multiple times. She alleged that Bej used to call her into his private cabin and molest her. The teacher also allegedly touched her inappropriately many times during class sessions.

The minor girl had approached the school headmaster eight days back and complained about the issue but no action was taken. The headmaster had instead asked her to remain silent and not disclose the matter to anyone.

Left with no other option, the minor girl shared her ordeal with her family two days back after which a police complaint was filed. 

Acting on the allegations, Raibania police tracked the two accused men and arrested them. The accused are being interrogated and further probe is underway. Police is scanning CCTV footage in the school, official sources said.