Rape accused jawan marries survivor in temple in Kandhamal

Kandhamal: An army jawan arrested on June 16 for allegedly raping a woman home guard, married the woman in a temple at G Udaygiri area of Kandhamal district on Sunday evening.

The accused, identified as Tulu Pradhan, hailing from Penagabhari village under Tikabali police limits in the district is posted as a jawan in the Bihar Regiment- of the Indian Army.

Pradhan who had come home on furlough had reportedly barged into the woman’s quarters when she was alone and raped her on June 15. He was arrested after the survivor lodged a complaint against him at the G Udaygiri police station, reports said.

Later during interrogation, Tulu expressed his desire to marry the complainant and after the woman’s consent, the marriage was solemnised at the Tarini temple in G.Udaygiri according to the Hindu rituals.

The marriage was conducted in the presence of G.Udaygiri police and the family members of Pradhan and the lady home guard, reports added.