Was a Minor Sexually Assaulted by a Truck Driver in Malkangiri, Odisha?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Minor safety remains a critical concern in Odisha.
- Immediate police action was taken following the incident.
- The truck driver has been detained for questioning.
- The victim is receiving care at a local shelter.
- Further investigations are underway.
Bhubaneswar, July 22 (NationPress) In yet another alarming event from Odisha, a minor girl has been sexually assaulted by a truck driver in the Malkangiri district, as reported by local police on Tuesday.
The girl's family lodged a formal complaint at the Malkangiri Sadar Police Station. According to them, the girl had gone to a friend's house on Monday evening to participate in birthday festivities but failed to return home. Her worried family members initiated a search but could not find her.
Later that evening, locals discovered the girl at National Highway 326 near Bija Ghati, in a concerning situation, accompanied by a truck driver.
Worried for the girl's safety, the locals promptly informed the police.
Upon arrival, the police rescued the minor and placed her under the protection of Shakti Sadan, a nearby shelter home.
The truck driver has since been detained, and police are actively questioning him.
The victim's mother has formally registered a complaint, and a case has been opened by the police.
Investigations are ongoing.
Further updates are awaited.
This incident follows the arrest of Congress Odisha youth wing's (NSUI) President Udit Pradhan by the Mancheswar Police in Bhubaneswar for the sexual assault of a 19-year-old female engineering student after he allegedly spiked her soft drink with intoxicants.
Udit was taken into custody late Sunday night following a formal complaint from the survivor.
Just days before this, on July 19, another minor was set on fire by unidentified assailants in the Banlanga area of the Puri district. Thankfully, she managed to escape and sought help from nearby residents.
She was subsequently taken for urgent medical care and is currently receiving treatment for 70 percent burns at Delhi AIIMS.
According to the complaint filed by the victim's mother, the girl was attacked by unidentified individuals who doused her with petrol and kerosene in a brutal murder attempt.
This incident has prompted swift police action, including the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).