Konark: Highlighting a disturbing rise in cases of juvenile delinquency, a minor boy has been detained by police on charges of raping a junior in Konark in Odisha's Puri district. The incident, which reportedly involved a Class 10 student and a Class 8 student attending the same school, has sparked both concern and outrage in the local community

According to preliminary reports, the minor girl was allegedly subjected to sexual assault by the older boy. Though the incident took place on March 25, it came to light today after a formal complaint was filed by the parents of the girl on Tuesday. Officials verified that both minors are students at a local school within Konark limits.

Police confirm detention of accused boy

Meanwhile, Police confirmed that the Class 10 student has been detained for questioning. As part of the standard legal and investigative protocol for such cases, both the victim and the detained boy are currently undergoing comprehensive medical examinations at Gop Hospital. The case is being handled under the relevant provisions of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, they told mediapersons.

The incident has once again brought to the forefront the growing trend of serious offenses committed by minors. It also reflects a deepening crisis within the social fabric and the urgent need for behavioural counselling of adolescents before they manifest in violence. 

Also read: Odisha: Rourkela POCSO court sentences man to life imprisonment for child rape