Odishatv Bureau

Koraput: Demanding arrest of the culprits involved in the Kunduli minor gang rape incident of October 10, the District Congress Committee (DCC) of Koraput organized a seven-hour peaceful bandh from 6 am to 1 pm on Monday.

All government offices, schools, colleges, shops and business establishments have remained closed. Buses, trucks and other vehicles also have stayed off the roads.

Alleging police inaction in the incident, Congress chief whip and local MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “Its been seven days and the state government is still silent. Neither has it arrested any  person involved neither the investigating teams have got any clue regarding the incident. The special team of Crime Branch also returned to Bhubaneswar after interrogating several persons in this connection.”

Bahinipati further said," We demand immediate arrest of the culprits. The state government should pay a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the survivor. This apart, it should bear all her study, hostel expenses and other necessities.”

“The state government has remained inactive and least bothered because this is tribal-dominated Koraput district. The Naxal body too has called for a bandh today, they are not involved. Culprits involved in raping should be arrested immediately, be it police or any other civilian," he added.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Pradeep Majhi threatened that the agitation will be intensified if the demands are not fulfilled immediately. He said, “Odisha government has initiated a false probe. They have started torturing the villagers during the night and have detained three persons. The Maoists released an audio tape denying their involvement and even have extended support to the  bandh.“

“The state government is very well aware of those involved in this gangrape but has remained a mute spectator. The Congress will not let this happen in Koraput and the agitation will grow further in the days to come. If action is not taken against the criminals, then the situation is likely to aggravate further,” warned Majhi.

He further added, "Because the survivor is our daughter, people of Koraput district have supported our move and joined us in the bandh. This is people's agitation under the Congress umbrella.  Everyone needs to come together to teach a lesson to the state government so that immediate action is taken against all those who are involved in the incident.”

According to reports, four persons suspected to be security personnel allegedly abducted the minor to a forest near Sorispadar village under Pottangi police limits and gang raped her. The girl is undergoing treatment at the Kunduli health centre and is reportedly out of danger.

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