Class 6 girl raped in Odisha even as CM assures safety of women

Police on Friday arrested a man on the charge of sexually assaulting his sister-inlaw, who is also a student of class 6, for two days in Kalahandi district of the state.

Kalahandi SP Madkar Sandip Sampat said the accused, 30-yearold Munna Naik, forcibly took her to Bhawanipatna town while she was on her way back home after attending a family function on April 17. He abducted the girl at night and sexually assaulted her for two days before leaving her on April 19.

The girl narrated her ordeal to her family, who lodged a complaint with police. Both the victim and accused were sent to the district headquarter hospital for medical exam. A case was registered at Thuamul Rampur police station under Sections 342, 363, and 376 (2) (i) of Indian Penal Code, and Pocso (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act. This is the fourth sexual assault case of minors reported from the state in four days.

Amid the increasing incidences of sexual assault against women in the state, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday told the Odisha Assembly that the protection of women, children, and weaker sections is a priority area of his government.

Replying to an adjournment motion on the subject of ‘Crime Against Women, Law & Order’ in the assembly, Patnaik said his government was committed to providing safety and security to women and girls. “Heinous cases against women and children are monitored by senior police officers. Investigating officers and special public prosecutors are appointed to ensure speedy trial,” he said.

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