Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed profound grief over the alleged rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Baligaon under Chandbali police limits in Bhadrak district.
The CM announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the next of kin of the victim’s family.
In a statement posted by the Chief Minister’s Office on X, Majhi described the incident as “heinous” and offered prayers for the departed soul’s eternal peace. He directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the culprits receive the severest punishment under the law.
The incident came to light on Tuesday evening (December 23) when locals discovered the blood-soaked body of the minor near a bush in a secluded area. The girl had reportedly gone missing earlier that day after heading to school or visiting a nearby village. Family members filed a police complaint alleging rape and murder.
Police launched an investigation with a scientific team, sniffer dogs, and sent additional forces to the site. Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rout confirmed the arrest of the prime accused from neighbouring Jagatsinghpur district within 24 hours. Several others, including family members of a suspect, were detained for questioning.
The case triggered widespread outrage, with locals staging road blockades, burning tyres, and even demolishing the accused’s house in Rampalli village. Protests continued into Wednesday, demanding swift justice. Opposition parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, called for a bandh in Chandbali block on Thursday (December 25) from 6 AM to 12 noon.
