5-year-old girl escapes rape attempt in Keonjhar village

A shocking incident of attempted rape has been reported from a village under Anandapur police limits in Keonjhar district.

As per the complaint lodged by the child’s mother at Anandapur Police Station, the incident occurred on June 15 during the Raja festival. The 5-year-old girl was alone at home while other family members were away.

Taking advantage of the situation, a youth named Chandan Naik from the same village allegedly entered the house and tried to sexually assault the child. Hearing the girl's screams, her mother and other locals rushed to the scene, forcing the accused to flee immediately.

After noticing that the child was unwell, the family questioned Chandan’s father, who then took the girl to a nearby hospital but did not allow a medical examination and returned with her.

Later, the girl's parents and grandmother brought her to Anandapur hospital for treatment and formally lodged a complaint at the police station.

There is now widespread demand from the local intellectuals and villagers for Chandan’s immediate arrest. Meanwhile, allegations of negligence are being raised against both the police and medical authorities, as no official response has been received so far.

Must Read: Man Gets 20 Years Jail Term For Raping Minor Girl In Cuttack

"He (Chandan) made the rape attempt at around 4 pm at our home. We rushed near the spot after hearing the scream of the girl. They (family of the accused) assured us in the meeting to take the child to the hospital, but didn't keep their promise. Then we were forced to lodge a complaint about the matter at the police station," said the grandmother of the child.

"It's a matter of shame that the child was attempted to be raped during the Raja festival. Police should take necessary legal action against the accused," said a villager.

"He (Chandan) attempted to rape our daughter. However, he managed to escape when the child screamed and we rushed to the spot. We have lodged a complaint about the incident at the police station," said the mother of the child.