Odishatv Bureau

Bolangir: Even though five years have passed since the brutal rape and murder of a minor girl at Sargipali village under Khaprakhol block of Bolangir district, justice still eludes the victim’s family. Let alone justice, the family has been ostracized and subjected to humiliation over the years.

There was a massive public outcry over the incident way back in 2005 and it forced Odisha government to order a Crime Branch probe. However, the guilty are yet to be taken to task in the case allegedly due to a tardy pace of investigation by the Crime Branch.

The victim’s family along with others recently narrated their ordeal through a video message which went viral on social media. It is alleged that the victim’s family members are being harassed and not getting any help from other villagers who have boycotted them.

“I am deeply hurt as they failed to understand the pain of a girl and a father,” alleged victim’s father.

The family is not being allowed to use several public places in the village and forced to lead a life of isolation. Hefty fines are being imposed by the village and nobody is allowing or giving them work, alleged the family members.

“My girl was abducted, raped and murdered. In the last 5 years, Crime Branch team visited us thrice. Whenever we call the officials, they have been giving us dates to visit the village,” the victim’s father added.

“Nearly 15 families have been ostracized. They have closed the road and not allowing us other facilities in the village,” said a relative.

“We have not ostracized anyone. They are living on their own terms and we, our way. I don’t know why they are saying so,” said Japi Budek, village head.

Case details:

In 2012, there was a controversy in the village owing to untouchability & caste related issues. In 2015, the village got roiled in anti-liquor protests. On May 22, 2015, a class X student went missing after she left home to take a bath in Harishankar nullah near the village. Her body was recovered from the nullah, a day later.

As the girl’s body carried injury marks, family members alleged that she was murdered after rape.

Following the incident, leaders and administrative officials made a beeline to the village and demanded for a thorough probe into the matter. Under pressure, Odisha government ordered a probe by the Crime Branch.

Though two persons were arrested, they were released on bail as Crime Branch failed to submit a chargesheet in the stipulated 120 days.

Senior Crime Branch officials had informed that facts in the case will be submitted in subsequently.

 

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