Deogarh: A five-year-old girl was allegedly raped at a village in Barkot area of Odisha’s Deogarh district, sparking public outrage and quick action by the police to apprehend the accused.
As per information, the incident took place on Sunday night in a village under the jurisdiction of Barkote police station while the minor girl was attending a religious event.
Sources said the accused, identified as Udit Patra of Baliroi village, was present at the same event and allegedly separated the child from the gathering before committing the crime in a deserted place. The accused was reportedly in an inebriated state while committing the crime.
As the child raised an alarm, locals rushed to the site and intervened. They caught hold of the accused and thrashed him. The man sustained injuries to his head and was later rescued by police.
He was admitted to the district headquarters hospital for treatment. The minor girl was also taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment. Hospital authorities confirmed that her condition was stable.
The accused is currently under police custody at the hospital. Police said further investigation is underway, and he will be produced before a court after completion of medical treatment.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, a senior police official said.
Statements of the victim, her parents and eyewitnesses have been recorded as part of the investigation. A forensic team was asked to visit the crime scene for collection of evidence.
