Banpur rape victim's suicide: Investigating officer transferred

Khurda: Taking cognizance of protests following suicide of a minor girl yesterday night who was allegedly raped in Banpur of Khurda district last month, the government today transferred the investigating officer in charge of the case, Ashok Dalabehera to police headquarters.

The administration also announced Rs 20,000 assistance from Red Cross fund to the kin of the deceased.

Earlier in the day, family members and local villagers of Suanpadia kept the girl's body before the police station and staged protest alleging that police inaction drove the victim to commit suicide. Hundreds of people staged road blockade at Banpur demanding immediate arrest of the accused and stringent action against the police officials.

Two separate teams of BJP and Congress reached the spot and offered condolences to the kin of the deceased girl. They also held discussions with senior police officials including Khurda SP.

According to information, a Class 10 girl of Suanpadia village under Banpur police station limits was allegedly raped by a youth of the same village on December 31 last year. The girl's family, after consulting villagers, lodged a complaint against the man at the Banpur police station on January 2. However, as the police allegedly did not take action against the accused, the girl committed suicide yesterday.

The incident comes closely on the heels of suicide incident of Kunduli gang rape survivor on Monday that sparked state-wide outrage.