Phulbani: A minor studying in Class 8 was allegedly raped by a man at a village in Daringibadi area of Odisha’s Kandhamal district.
The sexual assault reportedly took place after the accused lured the girl, aged around 14 years, on the pretext of buying her shoes.
The girl lived with her four younger siblings at home while her parents work as migrant workers outside the state.
Sources said the accused, a married man of the village, convinced the girl that her parents had sent money to his account to purchase her a new pair of shoes. Trusting the man, the minor accompanied him on Friday afternoon.
However, the youth allegedly took her to a secluded place where he sexually assaulted her. He warned her against disclosing the incident to anyone.
The girl later revealed the ordeal to her aunt. The incident came to light after her uncle, an ASHA worker, and the village Sarpanch lodged a written complaint at Daringibadi police station.
A senior police official said that investigation has been launched based on the complaint. Efforts are on to trace and apprehend the accused, who has fled the village