Did a Minor Girl Suffer Gang-Rape by Relatives in Puri?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 16-year-old Dalit girl allegedly gang-raped by relatives.
- Incident occurred in Chandanpur, Puri district.
- Family attended a religious procession during the assault.
- Police have detained the accused for questioning.
- BJD demands accountability from the government.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 24 (NationPress) In a disturbing incident, a 16-year-old Dalit girl reportedly experienced gang-rape at the hands of some distant relatives in the Chandanpur region of Puri district, Odisha, on October 22.
The horrific act came to light after the minor victim filed a complaint at the Chandanpur police station on Friday.
According to a local police official, "A 16-year-old Dalit girl approached the police station on Friday, claiming that her uncle and brother, both distant relatives from her village, forcibly assaulted her while she and her seven-year-old sister were asleep at home in the early hours of October 22. The family was attending the immersion procession of Goddess Kali idols at that time."
The victim confided in her mother about her trauma once the family returned home. Locals indicated that the family hesitated to report the incident due to pressure from community members. Nonetheless, the victim and her mother went to the police station on Friday to officially report the accused.
Following the complaint, the police initiated a case and detained both alleged perpetrators, who are currently being interrogated.
Meanwhile, the principal opposition party, Biju Janata Dal, condemned this atrocious incident and called for the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also oversees the home department.
The party stated in a release, "This appalling crime once again reveals the utter breakdown of law and order in Odisha. The BJD has repeatedly pointed out the failures of the law enforcement agencies in the state. Criminals now act with increasing boldness, free from the fear of law." Furthermore, the BJD highlighted that more than 5,000 women have been raped in Odisha over the last 16 months, underlining the alarming state of women's safety in Odisha under the current BJP government.
"The BJD expresses profound sorrow over this barbaric act and holds the state government accountable for the rising crimes against women. The politicization of the police has diminished public trust and empowered offenders," it concluded.