17 girls 'tortured on pretext of job' rescued in Odisha; Mass Education Minister orders probe 

Police with the help of local residents rescued as many as 17 young girls who were allegedly being tortured on the pretext of jobs at a private company’s office in Baripada’s Bijay Ramchandrapur area on Tuesday. 

As per reports, some residents of ward no-21 spotted a girl crying on Tuesday morning. Out of curiosity, they went up to her and inquired. She reportedly narrated the ordeal of how she along with 16 other girls were tortured at a private company named Kalinga Associates.

After coming to learn everything, the locals went to the address and rescued all the girls. Subsequently, they informed the Bhanjapur Police Station for necessary action at their end. Upon the arrival of the police, the villagers handed over the rescued girls. 

All the rescued girls are learned to be residents of Ganjam, Gajapati and Bargarh districts. Investigation revealed that the said private company had collected Rs 30,000 each from the girls, promising jobs. It is alleged that instead of providing them employment, the company’s manager Jayahari Khandapatra was torturing them.

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 The police have detained Khandapatra for questioning. 

“They pay one-time fee of Rs 7000 for lodging and boarding, and Rs 12,000 security for the products to be sold on behalf of the company. It is a branch office of the company,” said Khandapatra. 

On being informed, Odisha School & Mass Education Minister Sudam Marndi also reached the spot and met the rescued girls. 
“It is a matter of concern. It should be properly investigated to know under what circumstances these girls were brought. Among the rescued girls, there are some who have just appeared for matric examinations,” said the Minister.