12-Year-Old Girl Sexually Assaulted in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj
Accused Arrested Under POCSO Act
Bhubaneswar: A 12-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, police said on Sunday. The accused, a 19-year-old youth, has been arrested and a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The incident occurred under Chandua police limits when the minor, a Class 7 student, had gone to attend a wedding feast in Sonaria village. Police said the accused, identified as Deepak Kumar Tudu of Kakharuni village, lured the girl to a nearby agricultural field and allegedly assaulted her.
Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s father, Chandua police registered case number 96/2026 under Sections 64(1) and 65(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The girl has been provided medical and legal assistance as part of the investigation.
“The accused youth has been taken into custody. A detailed investigation is underway, with evidence being collected and statements recorded,” Mayurbhanj Additional Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar Gochhayat told reporters.
Police have urged the public not to speculate and assured that due legal procedures are being followed. The identity of the minor has been withheld in accordance with law.