Minor Raped, Murdered In Odisha, Locals Demolish Accused's House
Chandabali, Odisha – A wave of outrage has swept through Chandabali in the Bhadrak district of Odisha following the alleged rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl. The horrific incident, which occurred on Tuesday, sparked widespread protests, leading to the demolition of the accused's house by enraged locals.
The minor was reported missing on Tuesday morning while visiting Rampalli village. A missing person complaint was filed by her family when she did not return home from school. Tragically, her body was discovered later that evening behind the Panchayat office in Baligaon, bearing clear evidence of sexual assault and a brutal killing.
News of the crime ignited immediate and তীব্র reactions. Villagers took to the streets, staging protests at Baligaon Square on the Akhandalamani road, burning effigies, and demanding immediate justice for the young victim. The outrage culminated in locals storming and demolishing the house of the accused in Rampalli. The incident prompted swift action from law enforcement. The Bhadrak Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed that the accused was arrested within 24 hours of the crime in Jagatsinghpur district. The SP has personally supervised the deployment of a heavy police force to the area to maintain order and prevent further unrest.
The political arena has also become heated in the wake of the tragedy. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has blamed the state government for repeated failures of the police force, while Chandbali MLA Byomakesh Ray has accused the police of incompetence and systemic lapses in law enforcement. Ray stated that illegal activities occur where the incident occurred and that the police remain silent over it. The BJD and Congress have called for a 6-hour bandh in Chandbali on Thursday in protest.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida dismissed the criticism, assuring that the police are actively pursuing and apprehending accused individuals and that the strictest possible action would be taken. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that the police have been given a free hand to take action and that the accused are usually arrested quickly under the current government.
The Odisha Human Rights Commission has registered a case, demanding strict action against the culprit. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed grief over the incident and has directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the severest possible punishment for those responsible. The Chief Minister has also announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for the victim's family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The state government has assured compensation of ₹50 lakh to the victim's family.
Authorities are working to restore calm while ensuring a thorough and just investigation. A team of doctors is conducting the post-mortem examination, and a scientific team is collecting evidence. DIG Pinak Mishra has stated that the case will be taken to its logical conclusion.
