Jharsuguda: A 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped after being forcibly taken away from the district headquarters hospital in Odisha’s Jharsuguda on Monday. Police have arrested three persons, including a 19-year-old girl, in connection with the incident.

According to reports, the minor girl had come to the Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital along with her aunt to attend to her uncle, who was admitted there for treatment.

Jharsuguda SDPO Umashankar Singh said the minor was acquainted with the main accused, identified as Raja Besan (24) of Buromal area, through Instagram. After learning that the girl was at the hospital, Raja reached there with his associates, Akash Pradhan (20) and Tripti Naik (19).

Police said Raja sent Akash and Tripti to the ward to call the girl outside. As soon as she came out, he allegedly took her to a nearby forested area and raped her before fleeing the spot.

On the basis of a complaint, Airport police launched an investigation and arrested Akash and Tripti from the Buromal area on Tuesday. Later, Raja was also apprehended.

All three accused have been booked under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and produced before a court, police said.

Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Sanjukta Mahapatra, said the minor’s medical examination has been completed, and the three accused have been forwarded to court.