Hall of Shame: 4 minor girls raped in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Even as Odisha police have announced to launch a mega campaign for curbing crime against women, particularly minor girls, four separate incidents of rape of minors have been reported in the State in a single day.

A minor girl was allegedly raped by a 60-year-old man in Press Chhak area of Cuttack city.

Acting on a complaint lodged by the rape survivor’s mother, Madhupatna police have arrested the accused identified as Jagannath Mohapatra.

Jagannath allegedly after luring the victim to a secluded place had raped twice. The matter came to light after the rape survivor narrated her ordeal to her mother, who lodged a complaint with the police.

The victim has been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack in a critical condition.

Similarly, a 56-year-old man in Dagara village under Baliapal police limits in Balasore district allegedly attempted to rape a mentally-challenged minor girl.

The accused identified as Manmath Jena (56) attempted to rape the minor girl finding her alone in her house while her parents had gone to work.

Hearing the victim’s screams, some passers-by rushed to the spot and rescued her, while Manmath managed to flee.

Following a complaint, Baliapal police are investigating the matter while accused Manmath is absconding.

Besides, there are reports of a 15-year-old girl having been allegedly raped by her cousin in Jagannath Prasad area of Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district. Police have detained the accused.

Again, a minor girl from Salipur area was raped by her neighbour.

Though parents of the minor girl have not reported the matter to the police, basing on intelligence inputs, officials of Childline visited the victim’s house today to conduct an inquiry and have registered a complaint with Salipur police in this regard.