Bhubaneswar minor girl gang-rape: Odisha DGP appears before HC

Cuttack: Odisha DGP Abhay today appeared before the High Court through video conferencing in connection with a PIL filed over the alleged gang-rape of a minor girl in capital city Bhubaneswar.

The top cop also submitted an affidavit and status report on the investigation conducted so far in the case while the next hearing in the matter will be held on December 16.

Considering that no effective action has so far been taken by the police, the High Court had on November 9 directed the DGP to file specific affidavit as to what steps have been taken for effective and meaningful investigation in the matter.

The Crime Branch took charge of the gang-rape case on October 6. Acting as per the directive issued by the HC, the Crime Branch SP was appointed as investigation officer of the case. This apart, an Additional SP, three women Inspectors and one Inspector from the Cyber Cell have been assisting in the probe.

In its affidavit submitted before the HC, the Crime Branch had stated even though the incident occurred in April, a complaint was lodged on August 30. Due to the gap of around four months, the investigating agency faced difficulties in getting the biological evidence in the case, the affidavit mentioned.

The minor girl was allegedly gangraped by several employees of a private regional news channel, OTV for around 15 days during the month of April-May. The Odisha State Commission for Women has also been inquiring the matter.