5-Year-Old Assaulted at Religious Event in Odisha; Mob Thrashes Accused

Bhubaneswar: A five-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted on Sunday night in Odisha’s Deogarh district, triggering public outrage and swift police action. The incident occurred within the Barkote police station limits while the child was attending a religious event.

Police sources said the accused, identified as Udit Patra, was present at the same programme and allegedly separated the child from the gathering before committing the crime near a roadside location nearby. The child raised an alarm, drawing the attention of the villagers in the vicinity.

Local residents immediately rushed to the spot, rescued the girl and apprehended the accused. During the ensuing commotion, the accused was assaulted by villagers before police personnel arrived.

The accused sustained injuries in the public assault and was later rescued by police and admitted to the Deogarh Deogarh District Headquarters Hospital. He is currently under police custody. The minor girl was also taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment. Hospital authorities said her condition was stable.

Deogarh Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Mishra said a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Statements of the victim, her parents and eyewitnesses were recorded as part of the investigation.

“A forensic team has been requisitioned to examine the crime scene. Preliminary findings suggest that the accused allegedly lured the child away from the religious programme and committed the offence,” the SP said.

Police sources added that the accused was visiting relatives in the area and was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.