Bhubaneswar Dhauli minor girl gang rape case tagged ‘red flag’; Crime Branch DGP to monitor probe

The Twin City Commissionerate Police has placed the Dhauli minor gang rape case under the ‘red flag’ category, a move that entails enhanced monitoring and supervision of the investigation into the crime that took place on the outskirts of the city.

The incident was reported on Monday from the banks of the Daya River under the jurisdiction of Dhauli police station. Following the development, the case will now be probed under the direct supervision of the Director General of Police, Crime Branch.

Investigation Escalated Under Crime Branch Supervision

Sources reported that the investigation will be conducted under the direct monitoring of a senior officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police or Additional Superintendent of Police. The Crime Branch DGP will personally supervise the progress of the case.

Police have stated that the investigating officer will remain associated with the case until the charge sheet is filed and the accused are legally adjudicated.

Incident On December 10 Near Daya River

The crime allegedly took place on December 10, when the minor girl and her male friend had gone to the Dhauli Shanti Stupa area. As per reports, they were standing along a roadside near Dhauli when three accused allegedly intercepted them.

The male companion was reportedly assaulted and left bleeding, after which both were forcibly dragged into a forested area along the riverbank.

Police sources said the accused allegedly committed gang rape on the minor girl in front of her companion. The incident was also allegedly recorded on a mobile phone. The accused reportedly looted a gold chain and cash before fleeing the spot.

FIR Lodged, Two Accused Arrested

Police reports add that after returning home, the traumatised minor disclosed the incident to her family, following which a complaint was lodged at Dhauli police station. Police registered a case immediately and launched an intensive investigation.

As of the latest developments, two of the three accused have been arrested and produced before the court. The main accused, however, continues to remain absconding.

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Women’s Commission Visits Spot

Meanwhile, members of the State Women’s Commission also visited the crime scene as part of their assessment of the incident. Officials stated that the case would continue to be monitored at the senior-most level until completion of the investigation and submission of the charge sheet.

According to the latest reports, police have stated that further legal proceedings will follow after the completion of the investigation, which has now been intensified.