Rourkela: A 21-year-old bus helper was arrested Monday on charges of kidnapping and raping a 6-year-old girl in Sundargarh district. The incident took place Saturday evening during an engagement ceremony.
According to the police, the girl had travelled with her family in a private bus to attend an engagement ceremony. While others were busy with the event, the girl was playing outside with other children when the accused allegedly lured the minor to a nearby shop before taking her to an abandoned railway quarter where he allegedly raped her.
“The accused has been arrested and charged under relevant sections of BNS and Pocso Act,” said IIC Sabita Patra.
The crime came to light when the girl’s mother noticed her daughter missing and started searching. The girl’s uncle and other relatives found the accused with the minor in an abandoned building. He managed to flee following the discovery.
A formal complaint was lodged on Saturday night leading to the accused’s detention on Sunday. The survivor’s statement was recorded before the sub-divisional judicial magistrate (SDJM) on Monday.