Balasore: Bhadrak police have arrested a 50-year-old man for sodomising a 14-year-old boy.

The accused is a resident of Banapur in Bhatapada gram panchayat of Chandbali police limits. He was produced in court on Saturday.

"He was booked under section 377 of the IPC and relevant sections of the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act," said Chandbali police station inspector-in-charge Kamal Lochan Bhuyan. "The mother of the victim had lodged the complaint," he said.

The victim is a Class IX student. The incident occurred when he, after attending a science exhibition at the school, was returning home on Thursday afternoon.

The victim's mother alleged that the accused was inflicted with HIV and that his wife had died a few months ago. "My son might have been afflicted with the HIV," she said. Protesters are demanding strong action against the accused and compensation for the victim.

"The medical examinations of both the accused and victim were conducted. The allegation that the accused has been afflicted with the HIV virus will be verified," said Bhuyan.