Rourkela: A 24-year-old youth was arrested in Sundargarh district on Saturday night for allegedly abducting and raping a minor girl. The incident occurred in February when the 16-year-old girl, known to the accused's family, was returning home after appearing for her Class 10 examination. The youth offered to drop her home but instead took her to a forest area and sexually assaulted her.
The accused has been identified as a resident of the same locality. Police acted swiftly after the victim's family filed a complaint. The investigation is ongoing, and the accused has been remanded to judicial custody. Authorities have assured strict action under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
This incident highlights the need for increased safety measures for young girls, especially during exam periods. Local residents have expressed shock and demanded stringent punishment for the accused.
