Bhubaneswar: Odisha Congress on Wednesday reiterated its demand for a Crime Branch probe into the alleged rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl in Balasore district and Rs 50 lakh compensation for the victim’s family.
A delegation of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) met Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Chairperson Satrughana Pujahari at his office and submitted a memorandum pressing their demands.
The delegation alleged that police failed to take immediate action after the girl from Jaleswar area went missing on October 16, despite information from family and villagers. While an FIR was registered on October 17, her partially burnt body was recovered on October 22, said Congress leader Sudarshan Das.
Raising serious questions over police investigation, the party demanded a Crime Branch inquiry and strict action against the culprits, ensuring no influential person involved evades law, he said.
The Congress also urged OHRC to direct government to provide Rs 50 lakh compensation to victim’s family and a government job for her sister, Das added.
The girl was allegedly raped and killed on October 16 and her body recovered on October 22, triggering widespread outrage in state. Police have so far arrested prime accused and his two associates, while action has been taken against two police officers.
