Rairangpur/Patnagarh/Nabarangpur: At a time when Odisha is celebrating ‘Raja’—a festival dedicated to womanhood—several incidents of sexual assault reported from different parts of the state have raised serious concerns.

In the Rairangpur area of Mayurbhanj district, a minor girl was allegedly sexually assaulted after being taken away by four accused. A case under the POCSO Act has been registered at Rairangpur Town Police Station based on the victim’s complaint.

However, Mayurbhanj Superintendent of Police (SP) Varun Guntupalli refuted claims of gang rape. He stated the minor had gone to a secluded place with a male friend on a motorcycle, where she was assaulted by him, while his three associates allegedly aided the crime.

The accused have been identified as Sk Makbul, Sk Tipu, Sk Omaan, and Sk Zabed from Bhalubasa area. While three have been detained, Sk Zabed remains absconding.

The police later arrested the four accused and seized a motorcycle and mobile from their possession.

A fact-finding team of the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) visited the hospital and met the victim. The team demanded security for the victim’s family, adequate compensation, and stringent action against the accused. The party also warned of a district-wide agitation if their demands are not met promptly.

In another incident, a gang rape case was registered at Patnagarh police station in Balangir district. The incident reportedly took place on June 8 but came to light on June 14 after the survivor lodged a complaint.

According to police, the woman had gone to an agricultural field around 10 pm with her male friend. While they were talking, three of his friends allegedly arrived at the spot, forcibly took the woman away, and sexually assaulted her.

Police have arrested four accused from Pandamunda village in connection with the case. They have been identified as Mahesh Shabar (the victim’s male friend), Baichandra Bariha, Umakant Dila, and Ajay Mirddha. Preliminary investigation suggests the crime was carried out at the behest of Mahesh Shabar.

All four accused are being produced before the court, and further investigation is underway.

Unsettling case from Nabarangpur

Meanwhile, another disturbing incident has been reported from Chacharaguada village under Kodinga police limits in Nabarangpur district, where a woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances.

The deceased, identified as Chandra Bhatara, had reportedly gone out on Sunday night to celebrate Raja festival with her friends. She had visited a makeshift swing at the village outskirts around 9 pm but allegedly left midway without informing anyone.

Her body was discovered early Monday morning by her brother in the backyard of their house. She was found with visible injury marks, raising suspicion about the nature of her death.

Kodinga police reached the spot soon after being informed and initiated an investigation. A scientific team has also visited the scene to collect forensic evidence.

Police have detained one person for questioning in connection with the case. Nabarangpur SP Kashyap Parth Jagdish visited the spot and stated a detailed investigation is underway. He added the exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem report.

The SP assured all allegations made by the family will be thoroughly examined and those responsible will be arrested soon.