Keonjhar: Two persons have been arrested by the police for allegedly raping a woman in Joda area of Odisha’s Keonjhar district around 12 days ago.
The two allegedly committed the crime during the celebrations of traditional Mage Parab festival in Bhagalpur village under the jurisdiction of Joda police station on the night of February 20.
Sources said the woman was r
eturning after attending the festival when one of the accused, identified as Suklal Munda of the same village, offered to drop her home on his motorcycle.
As per the complaint, he stopped midway at a deserted place and raped her. During the assault, a second accused, Basudev Gagrai, arrived at the location and also allegedly raped the woman after threatening her.
The lodged a complaint at the Joda police station following the incident. Acting swiftly on the report, police arrested both suspects.
The accused were subsequently produced before a local court, where they were remanded for further proceedings. Police have registered a case.
The incident has sparked outrage among the locals, who sought concrete steps to ensure women’s safety during festive occasions.