Bhubaneswar, April 30: The much-talked-about Balasore sex scandal of 1999 has resurfaced after over two decades, with the case now progressing in a CBI special court. The development has rekindled hopes of justice for the survivor, as the trial, which faced prolonged delays due to multiple petitions in the High Court, gathers pace.
The case dates back to June 9, 1999, when a final-year +3 (Arts) student of Kuntala Kumari Sabat Women’s College in Balasore was allegedly lured to a flat in Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, by her sports teacher, Prabhasini Kar, on the pretext of securing a job under the sports quota along with a stipend. The student, a state-level athlete, later alleged that several senior administrative officials present at the apartment attempted to sexually assault her. She managed to escape and subsequently lodged an FIR at Balasore Town Police Station.
The incident had triggered statewide outrage and drew national attention, putting the Odisha government under intense pressure. The issue also rocked the State Assembly, following which the then Chief Minister ordered a Crime Branch probe. While the Crime Branch confirmed the authenticity of the incident, concerns over a fair investigation led to demands for a CBI inquiry.
The CBI took over the investigation in May 2000 and arrested Prabhasini Kar along with another accused. Several IAS officers were also questioned during the probe. Investigations revealed the alleged involvement of Prabhasini and her son, Siddharth Patra, in running a high-profile sex racket. Siddharth went absconding in 2001, prompting the court to issue a non-bailable warrant. He later surrendered after the CBI announced a cash reward for information on his whereabouts.
In 2012, the survivor moved the High Court alleging the involvement of multiple IAS officers in the case. However, she later sought to withdraw the petition, which was subsequently dismissed by the High Court on February 14, 2013.
At present, the trial in the CBI special court (ST No. 149/15) is underway, with witness examination in progress. The CBI has listed over 25 witnesses in its charge sheet. Recently, a journalist from Nilgiri deposed before the court, while one witness has reportedly died. Key witness Gaurishankar Panda and others are scheduled to record their statements in the coming days.
The resumption of the hearing after years of delay has once again brought the case into focus, with renewed expectations of justice.
