Bhubaneswar Dhauli minor’s gang rape: Prime accused arrested, committed crime after release from jail

The Twin City Commissionerate Police on Thursday arrested the prime accused, Satyaprakash Hati, also known as ‘Joker Hafi’, in connection with the gang rape of a minor girl on the banks of the Daya River in the Dhauli area of Bhubaneswar.

Police confirmed that Hati had been absconding since the incident and was taken into custody following sustained tracking efforts.

According to police sources, the crime was allegedly committed after the main accused had been released from jail in a previous case. As such, authorities are examining the accused’s background and criminal history as part of the ongoing probe.

Police further confirmed that while Hati has now been arrested, two of his associates involved in the case are currently absconding. Search operations have been intensified to trace and apprehend them.

Earlier Arrests In The Case

Before the arrest of the prime accused, the Commissionerate Police had already arrested two other individuals in connection with the case. Both were produced before the court following their arrest on Wednesday.

With the detention of Hati, police stated that the investigation has entered a crucial phase, particularly in establishing the sequence of events and the role of each accused.

Incident Reported From Daya Riverbank Near Dhauli

The alleged crime took place on December 10 near the Dhauli Shanti Stupa area under the jurisdiction of Dhauli police station. Police reports stated that the minor girl and her male friend were intercepted by three accused while standing along a roadside near the riverbank.

The male companion was reportedly assaulted and left bleeding, after which both were forcibly taken into a forested area along the Daya River. Police sources stated that the accused allegedly committed gang rape on the minor girl and later fled the spot.

Investigators are also probing allegations that the incident was recorded on a mobile phone and that cash and a gold chain were looted.

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Case Placed Under ‘Red Flag’ Category

In view of the seriousness of the offence, the Twin City Commissionerate Police placed the case under the ‘red flag’ category, enabling enhanced monitoring and supervision of the investigation.

Following this decision, the probe is being conducted under the direct supervision of the Director General of Police, Crime Branch. A senior officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police or Additional Superintendent of Police has been assigned to monitor the investigation.

Police officials stated that the investigating officer will remain associated with the case until the charge sheet is filed and legal proceedings are completed.

As per the latest official information, the prime accused has been forwarded to court, and further investigation is ongoing.