‘Minor girl raped, impregnated’: Police arrest accused man in Odisha

A suspect was arrested by the police in Puri district on Monday in connection with an alleged rape and impregnation of a minor girl. The arrest was made 23 days following the filing of a complaint against Jayakrushna Behera.

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The accusations state that Behera had earlier deceived the rape survivor with pledges of marriage before the alleged sexual assault occurred. The matter was brought to light when she, currently claimed to be pregnant, reported the incident to police on March 7.

Initially, there was a delay in police action, leading the minor to appeal to the Law Minister for intervention and justice. Subsequently, Astarang Police promptly arrested Jayakrushna Behera and presented him before the local court earlier in the day.

However, the police refused to give any public statement on this matter.

“They (family of the accused) are moneyed men. The boy had lured the girl and developed love affairs with her. Then, we came to know that the girl is pregnant. He should be given stringent punishment,” a local resident, Babaji Dalai expressed to OTV.

High-profile cases and systemic failures

Institutional negligence plagued a case where a 15-year-old tribal student delivered a baby in a hostel despite weekly health checks. A 5-year-old's rape-murder in Angul exposed security gaps in residential areas. The justice system faced scrutiny when a bail-released rape suspect murdered his minor victim to prevent testimony in Odisha.

Judicial responses and medical interventions

The Orissa High Court authorised termination of a 27-week pregnancy for a 13-year-old sickle cell anemia patient, citing constitutional protection of life and dignity. This landmark decision prompted mandates for standardised medical termination protocols across Odisha.

Patterns of violence and perpetrator profiles

Around 60% of analysed cases involved known offenders - including a forest guard, school staff, and neighborhood acquaintances. Gang rape incidents showed 78% occurrence during community events, exemplified by a festival assault where six men raped a 16-year-old.

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Statistical overview of minor sexual violence

Odisha saw an 8% increase in reported rape cases from 2023 to 2024, with 3,054 cases registered last year. Minor victims constituted a significant portion, with 21 pregnancies reported in state-run tribal hostels since 2010.