Balasore: The headmaster of a government-run primary school has been suspended for committing sexual offences on a Class-VI girl.

The teacher has been identified as Harekrushna Patra, 58, of a school in Basta block.

The action was taken against Patra after the school ceased to function since Tuesday as the parents of students staged a protest in front of the school locking the gate demanding action against the teacher.

They alleged that the accused had committed similar offences on other girls as well.

Block education officer Prachi Tanaya Giri said the action was taken following an inquiry by the local cluster resource centre co-ordinator and assistant block education officer.

"Patra has been suspended following receipt of the inquiry report, which indicated that he was guilty. Classes resumed in the school from today (Thursday)," said Giri.

During the inquiry by assistant block education officer Dhananjay Behera, it was found that the accused had behaved inappropriately with many minor girls and touch their private parts.

However, no police complaint has yet been filed against Patra.

District education officer H.K. Kandi said: "We will take further necessary action after going through the report."