Six-Year Fugitive Arrested in Odisha Minor Rape and Abortion Case
In a significant development in a long-pending case, a key accused involved in the rape and illegal abortion of a minor girl in Sundargarh district, Odisha, was arrested on Thursday after evading authorities for nearly six years. Inspector in charge R P Nag confirmed the arrest on Friday, highlighting the persistent efforts of law enforcement.
Crime Branch Team Tracks Down Accused
A dedicated three-member crime branch team, working in close coordination with local police, successfully traced and apprehended the fugitive. Following his arrest, he was promptly produced before a Pocso court, which remanded him to judicial custody, ensuring he faces legal proceedings for his alleged crimes.
Stepfather Previously Nabbed After Similar Hiding Period
This arrest follows the earlier capture of the girl's stepfather in February, who was also a key accused in the case and had been in hiding for six years. He too was produced before the Pocso court and sent to judicial custody, marking a step forward in the investigation.
Case Background and Previous Arrests
The case first came to light in June 2020 when the district child protection officer filed an FIR alleging sexual assault and illegal termination of pregnancy of the minor. The FIR implicated multiple individuals, including police personnel, a medical professional, two youths known to the girl, and her stepfather.
According to the complaint and the minor's statement, she was subjected to repeated sexual assaults. After becoming pregnant, arrangements were allegedly made for an illegal abortion in June 2020. A crime branch probe was ordered later that month, leading to several arrests.
- The then inspector in charge of the concerned police station was dismissed from service and arrested.
- A medical officer, accused of performing the abortion, was taken into custody.
- A home guard driver, accused of facilitating the crime, was also arrested.
Ongoing Investigations
Police have stated that investigations into this harrowing case are still ongoing, as authorities work to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice. The arrests underscore the commitment to addressing crimes against minors under the Pocso Act.
