Berhampur: The alarming surge in cases of sexual violence continued unabated as yet another minor girl was allegedly raped in Golanthara tehsil of Odisha's Ganjam district on Monday. The incident came to the fore after the 11 year-old girl narrated the ordeal to her parents.

While police had detained two suspects following a complaint by the survivor's family, the main accused, a 19 year-old boy, was arrested today in thus connection. 

As per the complaint, the youth lured her to an isolated location. He then tied up her hands and legs with a rope before allegedly raping her. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused was a distant cousin of the girl.

Official sources said both the survivor and the accused have undergone medical examination. A case has been registered and legal proceedings initiated. The boy will be produced in court today, they informed.

The incident has triggered a new wave of fury among the locals as multiple cases of sexual violence have been reported from the district barely within a month. This has sparked a deep concern on safety of minor girls and women, their security in public spaces or even the confines of their homes and the questionable efficacy of the police administration. 

Last week, another minor was sexually assaulted in Berhampur town. The accused, who was arrested following a police complaint, turned out be a trade union leader. He was identified as Bhabani Prasad Das, President of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and Chairman of the Workers’ Welfare Board. 

On June 15, Odisha made headlines for the horrific gangrape of a Plus III student from a Berhampur college. The girl allegedly was raped by miscreants on Gopalpur beach in front of her male friend. Police have arrested six individuals and detained four juveniles in this case. 

 

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