Mayurbhanj: Public outrage has swept through Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district after police arrested a young man for allegedly sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl.
The accused has been identified as Chamaka Paleya.
According to police sources, the incident occurred after classes ended at the local Anganwadi centre under Bisoi police limits on July 20. The suspect allegedly enticed the minor girl by offering her chocolates and took her to his residence, where he committed the assault.
Upon returning home, the traumatised girl disclosed the ordeal to her mother. A village meeting was subsequently convened, during which the accused reportedly confessed to the act in front of community members. Rejecting any local mediation attempts, the victim’s mother proceeded directly to Bisoi police station to lodge a complaint.
Acting on the complaint, police arrested Paleya and initiated custodial interrogation alongside mandatory medical procedures. A case has been registered under relevant statutory provisions protecting minors, including stringent sections under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) framework.
“Yesterday, a formal written complaint was lodged regarding the sexual assault of a five-year-old girl who attends the local Anganwadi centre. The child was lured with chocolates on her way back from the centre and abused. Based on the complaint, we registered a case under the relevant sections and initiated an immediate investigation. The accused has been taken into custody and will be produced before the POCSO court under Section 164/26,” a police officer said.
He further expressed sorrow over the incident, describing it as a tragic reflection of social degradation, and assured that strict legal action would be pursued to ensure justice for the victim.
