Baripada, Aug. 7: A 56-year-old teacher of a government-run girls' high school in Mayurbhanj district has been arrested on the charge of molesting a Class-VIII student.

The teacher has been was booked under relevant sections of the Prevention of Atrocity Act and Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act, besides Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code.

After the incident on Tuesday afternoon, the victim, who had been staying at the school hostel, told the matron about it. The complainant said the teacher had called her on some pretext and molested her. She also alleged that the accused had made similar attempts earlier.

After receiving the written complaint, the matron brought it to the knowledge of the local welfare officer. Subsequently, the matter was informed to the police on Saturday.

The police are now investigating the allegations.

The inspector of the police station concerned said: "The matter was brought to our notice yesterday and we took immediate action. The accused teacher was arrested and produced before court yesterday evening."

The accused was produced before the special court in Baripada. He was sent to jail after his bail plea was rejected.

Three dead

A woman and her two daughters were found dead inside their house at Belakana village in Rayagada on Sunday. A two-year-old girl was rescued in an unconscious state.