Three Adults Arrested, Three Juveniles Detained in Disturbing Sand Burial Case in Odisha
In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage across Odisha, police in Rayagada district have taken swift action against six individuals accused of burying an 11-year-old boy in sand up to his neck. The authorities arrested three adults and detained three juveniles on Thursday evening for their alleged involvement in this cruel act, which was filmed and circulated on social media platforms.
Details of the Arrested and Detained Accused
The arrested adults have been identified as Aju Sabar, aged 24, Mitu Sabar, aged 22, and Shuklang Sabar, aged 23. Meanwhile, the three detained juveniles are between 15 and 17 years old. All six have been booked under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to attempt to murder, highlighting the severity of the charges against them.
Timeline of the Incident and Viral Video
The disturbing event occurred on the evening of January 25, but it only came to public attention on Tuesday after a video of the incident went viral online. The footage triggered immediate condemnation from netizens and local communities, prompting a rapid police response. According to officials, the boy was buried in a sand heap near the Sananadi river while the accused mocked him and recorded his distress on their mobile phones.
K K B K Kanhar, the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Gunupur police station, provided harrowing details: "The child was pleading and struggling to survive as the accused laughed and filmed the incident." He emphasized that had the minor not been rescued in time, he could have suffocated to death, underscoring the life-threatening nature of the act.
Victim's Ordeal and Family's Account
The victim, a Class VI student who resides at his maternal uncle's house, returned home around 10 PM on the night of the incident, crying and visibly traumatized. His family members reported that he was in a state of shock. The boy's father alleged that the accused had gone to collect sand from near the river using a tractor. "They asked my son to lift sand. When he refused and protested, they got angry and buried him in the sand," he stated, shedding light on the motive behind the attack.
Furthermore, the victim was allegedly threatened with similar treatment if he disclosed the incident to anyone. The accused only released him after a prolonged period, once he promised to remain silent about the ordeal.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the viral spread of the video, the boy's parents lodged a formal complaint on Wednesday. Based on this complaint and the evidence from the video, police apprehended all six accused. IIC Kanhar confirmed, "Three of them are minors and will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. A detailed investigation is underway." Additionally, the victim's statement was recorded at a Gunupur court under Section 183 of the BNS, ensuring that legal procedures are being followed meticulously.
This case has raised serious concerns about child safety and the misuse of social media in rural Odisha. Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover any further details and ensure justice for the young victim.
