Bargarh minor rape and murder case: Demands for capital punishment for accused gather steam

Protests and demands to hang the accused in the rape and murder case of a minor in Odisha’s Bargarh intensified on Tuesday with locals and student groups staging demonstrations for swift justice for the victim.

A minor girl aged about 5-6 was sexually assaulted and murdered by a 20-year-old man in the Padmapur area under Paikamal police station limits of Bargarh district on November 15.

An awareness rally was conducted yesterday by residents and student organizations and a memorandum was submitted to the Sub-Collector's office, urging for the culprit to be handed out capital punishment.

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“We met with the Sub-Collector and have submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister demanding the accused to be hanged,” said Dilip Behera, Sarpanch of Temri Gram Panchayat.

Meanwhile, Padmapur Sub-Collector, Sneha Arugula, confirmed having received the memorandum from locals. Additionally, she reiterated that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure a swift trial of the accused.

“Proceedings in the case are moving ahead speedily and transparently. The accused is in judicial custody and a chargesheet will be filed immediately after receipt of the deceased minor’s post-mortem report,” stated Arugula.

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The heinous crime had sent shockwaves across the state after reports surfaced that the accused had crushed the head of the minor victim with a stone after sexually assaulting her inside Dunguri forest.