Bhubaneswar: The Chandbali minor rape and murder case has been brought under the “Red Flag” category, signalling priority monitoring and expedited investigation, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania said on Thursday.
The DGP informed that the prime accused has been arrested from Jagatsinghpur district and the police are aiming to complete the investigation at the earliest. He expressed hope that the district police would conduct a thorough probe and ensure that justice is delivered swiftly.
The case pertains to the brutal rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl, whose blood-soaked body was recovered on Tuesday evening from near the Baligaon Panchayat office under Chandbali police station limits in Bhadrak district. Following the recovery of the body, police launched an intensive search operation and subsequently arrested the main accused.
In the aftermath of the incident, administrative action has also been initiated. The district administration has evicted illegal encroachments at the site where the crime occurred. Meanwhile, public anger over the incident spilled onto the streets, with women in Rampalli village demolishing the accused’s house. Agitated local residents also broke the lock of the panchayat office and staged a gherao, demanding strict action and justice for the victim.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep grief over the tragic incident and announced an ex-gratia assistance of ₹10 lakh for the victim’s family. The state government has assured all necessary support to the family and reiterated its commitment to ensuring strict punishment for those involved in crimes against women and children.
The six-hour bandh called by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress to protest the alleged rape and murder of the 10-year-old girl in Chandbali block today was successful as daily life came to a standstill. Supporters of the bandh, including local residents and workers from opposition parties, blocked major roads by setting tyres on fire, severely disrupting vehicular movement in Chandbali and surrounding areas. Most shops, markets and business establishments remained closed during the protest.
