Rahama (Jagatsinghpur): In a deeply disturbing incident, a five-year-old girl was allegedly raped in the Rahama area under Tirtol police station limits of Jagatsinghpur district late last night. The heinous crime has sparked outrage and a massive search for the absconding accused.
According to a complaint filed by the victim’s father at the Tirtol police station, the incident took place around 1 am while the father-daughter duo was sleeping at the Rahama Haat Pindi (market area). The family has been leading a nomadic life for nearly a year following the death of the girl’s mother, surviving by begging from door to door and sleeping in the open, exposed to the elements.
The father has accused Manoj Sahu (40), a resident of Rahama Kela Sahi Basti, of committing the crime. In his complaint, the father stated that Sahu not only raped the minor but also subjected her to a brutal, life-threatening assault.
The girl’s cries and the ensuing commotion drew neighbors from the nearby basti to the spot on Tuesday morning. However, by the time people gathered, the accused had already fled the scene.
Police have launched an investigation into the matter. “A special team from Tirtol police station has reached the spot. We are conducting a search operation to apprehend the fugitive accused, Manoj Sahu, and are investigating all angles,” a police official stated.
The victim was immediately rushed to the Manijanga Community Health Centre for primary treatment. Later, considering the severity of the assault, she was referred to the Jagatsinghpur District Headquarters Hospital for further medical care. Her condition is currently stated to be under observation.
