Kandhamal: On charges of sexually assaulting a minor girl studying in Class 8, police have arrested the operator of a hostel in Kandhamal district’s Baliguda area.

The accused has been identified as Rajan Digal of Gadipada village under Adimah panchayat in the district.

According to the complaint, Digal had allegedly been running a hostel in the Badaketa area of Baliguda for around three years. The hostel was reportedly constructed on government land and housed around 35 students.

The incident allegedly took place two days ago when the accused took the Class 8 student to a forested area on the pretext of conducting a health check-up and allegedly sexually assaulted her.

After learning about the incident, the girl’s family lodged a written complaint at Baliguda police station against the hostel operator.

Following the complaint, police sent the minor for a medical examination and launched an investigation into the allegations. The accused was subsequently arrested.

Meanwhile, questions have been raised over the registration and legality of the hostel. District Child Protection Officer Rashmita Karan said authorities would inspect the institution to ascertain whether it was registered and operating legally.

Further investigation into the case is underway.