Nuapada: The headmaster of Timanpur Ashram School, located in the Sinapali block of Nuapada district, has been suspended following serious allegations of student abuse. Reports indicate that Akash Nayak, a Class VI student from Golamunda in Kalahandi district, was subjected to physical punishment by headmaster Manoj Kumar Hota on September 15, around 10 PM.

The incident was captured on video using the headmaster's mobile phone, with assistance from other students. In the footage, Akash was coerced into making statements against the negligence of the school cook, Tikeram Majhi, and the matron, in front of the district collector. When he chose not to speak, he faced further mistreatment. This video subsequently spread across social media platforms.

Upon discovering the situation, Akash's family reached out to Nuapada Sub-Collector Surmi Soren and Sinapali Block Welfare Extension Officer Sunil Samal, urging them to take action.

In response to the complaint, Additional District Welfare Officer Sanjay Bhoi and District Inspector Uday Singh Majhi conducted an investigation at the Ashram school. During this inquiry, the headmaster reportedly confessed to the allegations. Their findings were then submitted to Collector Madhusudan Das, leading to Hota's suspension. The suspension order stipulates that he will remain assigned to the block office until further notice.