Turekela gang-rape case; 22-year adult among five juveniles involved in the crime

In a major development in the gang-rape case involving a minor girl under the Turekela police station limits in Bolangir district, police have taken six accused into custody, including one adult male and five juvenile boys.

According to police sources, the 22-year-old adult accused is the prime accused and is alleged to have orchestrated the crime. The incident reportedly took place in an under-construction room near the victim’s school.

Case Background

Police said the victim was allegedly lured to the spot, where she was sexually assaulted by the adult accused along with five juvenile boys, who are reportedly her classmates. The assault was allegedly recorded on a mobile phone, and the video was later circulated on social media, leading to widespread outrage.

Following the circulation of the video, the victim’s family approached the Superintendent of Police, Bolangir, and lodged a formal complaint, prompting immediate police action.

Police Action and Investigation

Acting swiftly on the complaint, Turekela police launched an investigation and detained the accused. The adult accused has been taken into custody, while the five juveniles are being handled as per the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.

Police officials said the accused are currently being interrogated to ascertain the full sequence of events and to identify any other persons involved in the crime.

The Bolangir SP has also held discussions with officials of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to ensure that the investigation is conducted sensitively and lawfully, with due care for the minor victim.

Police said further legal action is underway under relevant sections of the law, including provisions of the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.