In yet another instance of child abuse, a three-year-old girl has been allegedly subjected to sexual assault by a youth in Bhubaneswar. The accused, Santosh Khuntia has been arrested by Airfield Police.
The accused was absconding after allegedly committing the crime and was arrested today. The condition of the survivor is said to be stable.
“The child had come to the hospital last night; and after examination and investigation, the parents today came for ultra sound,” said a senior official at Capital Hospital.
It is pertinent to mention here that there is stern punishment under the new criminal laws that have come into effect from yesterday. It is alleged that the accused Santosh Khuntia was under the influence of alcohol when he raped the minor girl. The incident occurred when the victim had come to play at the accused Santosh’s house. Nobody was present in the house when the incident occurred.
The medical examination of the accused will be conducted at Capital Hospital and will be produced before the Court, police said.
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Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh said, “The victim’s family launched a search operation after she did not return home. Later after rescuing the girl from the house of the accused, they lodged a complaint at Airfield police.”
A special team was subsequently formed and it was found that the accused had moved to Pipili area. However, the accused managed to escape from the spot.
“An operation was subsequently launched and the accused was nabbed within 24 hours. Forensic team has seized all evidences and the survivor has been given immediate medical care. The medical examination of the accused has also been conducted,” said Singh.
According to Singh, the accused is 23 years old and was working as a driver. “The accused had also threatened the victim’s mother. We have been able to collect evidence and wearing apparels and other items, which are important for probe, have been seized,” Singh added.