Bhubaneswar: A 17-year-old girl was rescued and a youth from Jajpur district was arrested after he allegedly abducted and raped her on the pretext of marriage, police said on Wednesday.
The accused, identified as Niranjan Mallick, a resident of Brahmabarada in Jajpur district, allegedly befriended the minor through social media before gaining her confidence.
According to police, he promised to marry the girl and later took her away from Bhubaneswar without the knowledge of her family. The accused first took the girl to Kataka and later to Jajpur, where he allegedly raped her.
After the girl’s family lodged a complaint at Infocity Police Station, a case was registered and an investigation was launched. Acting on technical surveillance and other leads, Infocity police traced the accused’s location with the assistance of Brahmabarada police in Jajpur district.
A joint team rescued the minor and arrested the accused. The girl was sent for medical examination, and her statement was recorded before the appropriate authority as part of the investigation.
The accused was forwarded to the court on Wednesday, and further investigation is underway.
