A 30-year-old man has been arrested by the police in connection with the horrific rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Odisha's Bhadrak district. The brutal crime, which occurred on Tuesday, has triggered massive public outrage, violent protests, and a political storm in the state.
Arrest and Investigation Details
The accused, a co-villager of the victim, was apprehended by a special police team on Wednesday morning from his in-laws' house in Jagatsinghpur district, where he was hiding. Four other individuals were initially detained for questioning in the case. The girl's blood-soaked body was discovered near a bush after she went missing while returning home from school.
Superintendent of Police (Bhadrak) Manoj Kumar Rout stated that a detailed investigation is ongoing. A dog squad and a scientific team have been deployed to the crime scene to gather forensic evidence. Deputy Inspector General (Eastern Range) Pinak Mishra confirmed that the situation is now under control, with six platoons of armed police force deployed along with senior officials.
Public Outrage and Political Fallout
The incident ignited furious protests from local residents, who blocked roads at three locations, burned tyres, and ransacked the house of the accused. Protesters also barged into a nearby panchayat office. The demonstrations, which lasted nearly 17 hours, saw villagers linking the rising crime in the region to rampant illegal liquor trade and demanding the closure of liquor shops.
In response, police have launched an eight-day joint drive to demolish illegal structures and curb the trade of illicit liquor and ganja. The crime has also sparked a political war of words. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress have called for a bandh in the area on Thursday from 6 am to 12 noon. BJD's youth and student wings staged protests in Bhubaneswar.
Official Response and Compensation
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed profound grief over the incident and directed officials to ensure a thorough investigation and the harshest punishment for the accused as per law. Majhi announced a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh for the girl's family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida condemned the crime, promising the "strictest action" against the perpetrator. She also announced that the State Women's Commission will conduct a separate inquiry into the matter.
