Minor girl murder in Bhubaneswar: Motive was sexual assault, Police vow exemplary punishment

Hours after arresting the accused in the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl in Kela slum area in Bhubaneswar, the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner, Soumendra Priyadarshi on Wednesday said that they have tagged the case as ‘sensitive’ and efforts are on to ensure that exemplary punishment is awarded to the accused.

According to Priyadarshi, the accused Ghania works as a daily labourer and was familiar with the victim minor girl and always used to give her chocolates. The accused had taken the girl to his room with the intention of sexual assault and hence a case under POCSO, and for murder has been registered.

Initially, a case under sections 363 and 302 was registered as the minor girl was missing on the day of the incident, said Priyadarshi.

“After examining the post-mortem report, it will be clear whether the minor girl was raped or not. However, as the case is sensitive, we will complete the investigation at the earliest. A public prosecutor will be appointed and will try for exemplary punishment for the accused,” said Priyadarshi.

The Police Commissioner informed that after taking the victim to his house with the intention of sexual assault, the accused Ghania killed her by slitting her throat fearing that she would reveal it to others. Soon after committing the crime, Ghania fled to his in-laws’ place at Balikuda and later to Rahama area in Jagatsinghpur district.

The Commissionerate Police had formed six special teams and finally, the accused was nabbed from Rahama area on Tuesday.

On reports that the accused was under the influence of some narcotics, the Police Commissioner said it might be true. His medical examination has been done and samples collected in this regard, he said.

“Preliminary medical examination indicates that there may not be rape, but attempt was made. The knife with blood stains has been seized and the motive of the accused will be investigated. As a girl below 5 years old was killed, we will investigate the case on top priority,” Priyadarshi added.