ROURKELA, March 5: Badgaon police have arrested the headmaster of a primary school on charges of sexually assaulting students of his school. The accused has been placed under suspension.

According to information, a complaint was filed against Tikeswar Nayak, 47, the headmaster of Gelebahal Panchayat School near Ekma Gram Panchayat in Badgaon block. The complainant, who is the father of a Class III girl, alleged that for the last two years Nayak was sexually harassing the students.

Nayak, who has been suspended, was working in the school for the last nine years. After sexually assaulting students he used to threaten them with dire consequences if they complained to anyone about his activities.

Nayak also used to threaten students that he would lock them in the classroom and get their parents arrested.

Sub-divisional police officer, Rajgangpur, Susil Panigrahi said that a case had been lodged as there was prima facie evidence against the headmaster.

Speaking to The Telegraph over phone, Panigrahi said: "We have found prima facie evidence against the headmaster. He has been booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code."