Bhubaneswar: The alleged rape of a minor tribal girl by the father-in-law of an OAS officer in Bhubaneswar has sparked off a massive outrage with the activists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today launching protests outside the BMC zonal office in Chandrasekharpur area here demanding action the culprit.
"Even though a complaint has been lodged in this regard, no action has been taken yet. Why is police not arresting the accused?" questioned the BJP.
The activists also demanded suspension of the senior OAS officer who is currently posted at the BMC office.
A team comprising Sandhyabati Pradhan, the Chairperson of Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) and members of District Child Protection Unit visited Balichandrapur Police Station (where complaint was lodged) in Jajpur district to review the status of the investigation.
Terming the incident as ‘unfortunate’, Pradhan stated that steps are being taken to ensure that the matter is thoroughly probed and the accused is arrested at the earliest.
“We are taking all possible measures to ensure protection of the minor girl as per the provision of the POCSO Act. Child Welfare Committee and district child protection unit will work in tandem and take all possible measures for proper counselling of the victim,” said Pradhan.
Pradhan further stated that the Commission will oversee the progress of the investigation and also ensure the statement of the survivor is recorded. It will also look into other aspects including conduct of her medical examination.
“We will discuss the matter with the concerned deputy superintendent of police. This apart, a case under child labour act will also be registered against the OAS officer for engaging the minor girl as a domestic help,” Pradhan added.
It is alleged that the father-in-law of an OAS (Odisha Administrative Service) officer raped the minor tribal girl for around five months at their residence in Bhubaneswar and impregnated her.
The matter came to light recently when the girl went to her house in Jajpur district and disclosed everything before her parents. Based on the complaint filed by the girl’s family, Balichandrapur Police registered a case under POCSO Act. Further investigation in connection with the incident is underway.
(Edited By Devbrat Patnaik)