Keonjhar: Violent protests erupted in Murgagotha village under Anandapur Police Station limits of Odisha's Keonjhar district today after a minor girl with disabilities was allegedly raped and left pregnant by a boy from a minority community. The revelation of the incident led to a localized riot-like situation, with angry villagers targeting a religious site and resorting to arson. The accused youth is absconding.

The Incident

According to reports, the survivor—a minor girl with physical disabilities—was allegedly assaulted approximately four months ago while she had gone to a nearby stream to bathe. The accused, identified as a youth from the same village belonging to a minority community, reportedly fled the area following the act.

The matter came to light only on Sunday night when the girl complained of health complications. Her family rushed her to a local hospital, where medical examinations confirmed she was four months pregnant. Out of fear, the survivor had previously kept the ordeal a secret from her family.

Escalation of Violence

As news of the pregnancy spread through the village this morning, tensions reached a breaking point. An agitated mob of villagers gathered and attacked a religious structure belonging to the minority community. Eyewitnesses reported widespread vandalism, with several items inside the premises being set on fire.

Police Action

Upon receiving information regarding the unrest, the Keonjhar District SP, Anandapur SDPO, and a large contingent of police personnel from various stations rushed to Murgagotha village.Till reports last came in, efforts were ongoing to pacify the mob.

"The boy had threatened the girl to kill her if she disclosed the matter to her parents. It was only when we accompanied the family to hospital yesterday, the matter came to light," recounted an outraged villager. Parents of the girl too expressed their rage ad demanded justice.

Meanwhile, addressing mediapersons, Keonjhar SP informed that efforts are on to bring matters under control. "The situatio flared up as villagers took law into own hands and the incident took a religious turn. A peace committee will be set up and we will also probe if the vandalism was instigated," he said.

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