Minor girl gang-raped by cousins for father’s support to rival party

By Our Correspondent

BERHAMPUR (ODISHA), MARCH 28: A minor girl has allegedly been gang-raped by her cousins as her father extended support to a particular political party during the recently held panchayat elections at Patrapur block in Chikiti area of Odisha’s Ganjam district.

The victim on Tuesday lodged complaint before Ganjam superintendent of police (SP) Asis Singh.

According to the victim’s complaint, – four of her cousins on March 9 night lifted her from home forcefully night after covering her face and raped her repeatedly at a nearest forest for nine days before releasing her on March 18.

They also threatened to eliminate her if she comes out to public with the matter.

“The four boys raped me in the forest and threatened me to kill my parents and me if I inform it to anyone. After being released from their clutches, I narrated the ordeal before my father who gave me the courage to lodge the police complaint,” minor victim said.

She further added that the accused belong to the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) while her father supported the opposition Congress.

“The culprits raped me in a vindictive approach. I have prayed the SP to probe the matter impartially and give me justice. I’m mentally very disturbed,” she added.

SP Mr Singh ordered the local sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) to probe into the incident.

“I have asked the Chikiti SDPO to investigate the matter. Action will be taken against the accused as per law,” Mr Singh said.

Reports said the SDPO had got the medical examination of the victim done in the local hospital in the afternoon and formed a special team comprising senior police officers to arrest the accused.