Another woman gang-raped in Odisha; two minors among three held

Police on Wednesday arrested three individuals, including two minors, on charges of raping a woman while she was relieving herself in a roadside forest in Odisha’s Angul district, an official confirmed.

As per police reports, the incident occurred when the victim was returning from Chhendipada on a motorcycle with her nephew.

During the journey, she stopped by a roadside jungle to answer the call of nature. At that moment, three individuals arrived on a tractor and sexually assaulted her, according to a police press statement.

Although the crime took place on July 3, the victim filed a complaint at Bagdia police station on Tuesday.

Police registered a case and launched an investigation.

“Three police teams were formed and they worked under the direct supervision of the SP to nab the accused persons,” the police statement said, as reported by PTI.

A forensic team and dog squad were deployed as part of the investigation, and all three accused, including two minors, were arrested, the statement added.

Police also seized the tractor, mobile phones belonging to the accused, the clothes they wore during the crime, and biological evidence.

Further investigation is underway, and the case has been categorised as a "special report" and a “Red Flag” case, which will be charge-sheeted within 30 days, according to the police.

Angul police stated that they would request the court to fast-track the trial to ensure the culprits receive swift and strict punishment.