Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Baripada, July 1:

A husband-wife duo has been arrested for allegedly torturing their minor domestic help in Odisha’s district headquarters town of Baripada, who was rescued from here, police said today.

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According to reports, the minor girl, working as a domestic help at a Takatpur-based businessman’s house, was rescued by police in a semi-conscious state after locals informed the cops.

“I ran away from the house as they told me last night that they will drown me to death. I escaped from the house this morning out of fear and severe workload,” the victim said.

The victim alleged that the employer’s wife meted out physical torture to her.

“The minor girl said that her employer Sandhyarani Samal has tortured her physically several times. Besides, they haven’t given me food also on many occasions. When I asked about the address of the girl, she said that she belongs to Dargadhai,” Lambodhar Jena, ASI who rescued the girl said.

The girl was working at Panchanan Samal’s house since last one year after her mother passed away. The victim's father had left her with Samals expecting his daughter to get at least two square meals a day.

“We would seek for her care and protection besides giving shelter, education and other facilities. In the subsequent phases, we are committed to take legal steps against the employers,” said Pramod Kumar Choudhury, Childline official.

Police raided the house of Panchanan Samal and arrested him and his wife.