Bhubaneswar: In connection with the Dhauli gang rape case, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and registered a case.
A member of the Commission visited the Dhauli police station, held discussions with the IIC and issued directions for strict and time-bound action.
The Commission member later visited the crime spot and met the victim, counselled her, and discussed measures to instil confidence and courage in her during the course of the investigation and legal process.
The Odisha State Commission for Women has also stepped in and visited the Dhauli police station as well as the crime spot to conduct its own inquiry into the incident.
Meanwhile, the Commissionerate Police has constituted a special team to probe the case. Raids are being carried out at multiple locations to arrest the prime accused along with three others who are currently absconding. A scientific team has already visited the crime spot and collected evidence as part of the investigation. The victim’s statement has also been recorded before the court.
According to police sources, the incident occurred on the 10th when the accused allegedly attacked the victim’s male friend on the bank of the Bankuala river, gang-raped the minor girl and recorded a video of the assault. Two accused have so far been arrested in connection with the case, and police have revealed that both are repeat offenders with previous jail records.
Serious questions have also been raised over the initial handling of the complaint at Dhauli police station. When the victim and her male friend first approached the police to lodge a complaint, a case of misconduct was registered and both were allowed to leave. After the incident drew wider attention, the Bhubaneswar DCP transferred the Dhauli police station IIC and handed over the investigation to another officer.
The investigation is continuing as police intensify efforts to trace and arrest the remaining accused in the case.
