Berhampur: A 10-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 60-year-old man inside a shop under Hinjili Police limits in Ganjam district. Though the incident took place on November 16, it came to light after family members of the survivor lodged a police complaint on Thursday. Later, the accused identified as Debraj Panigrahi, who runs a grocery shop, was arrested.
According to reports, the girl reportedly had gone to buy some grocery items when the accused dragged her inside a room of his shop and raped her. Initially the family members of the girl did not lodge a complaint out of fear. However, they broke silence and lodged a formal police complaint yesterday.
Based on the complaint, police conducted medical test of the girl at MKCG medical college and hospital. The accused was subsequently produced before court upon completion of the medical test at Hinjili hospital.
After the matter came to light, a fact-finding team of BJP Mahila Morcha visited the village on yesterday and met the family members of the girl.
“We want protection as well as justice for the family members of the girl. As they are financially weak, government assistance should be immediately provided to them,” said Namita Rani Panda, BJP Mahila Morcha leader.
“The person who committed such ghastly crime should be hanged. Besides, social and financial security should be provided to the family of the girl,” said Pinky Pradhan, a senior member of BJP-fact finding team.