Nabarangpur: An 80-year-old woman was allegedly raped after being dragged into a forest while she was walking to her daughter’s house in Raighar police station limits of Nabarangpur district Monday evening, police said Wednesday. Sources said the woman was walking alone from her village to her daughter’s house through a forested road when the accused allegedly intercepted her and dragged her into Khutugaon forest. The incident occurred at around 6:30pm, police said.
The woman’s cries for help alerted some passers-by travelling along the road. They rushed into the forest, where they allegedly caught the accused and rescued the woman. Local residents later reached the spot and informed the police. The accused was identified as Pileram Goud, 33, of Kaliyapadar village under Kurabeda panchayat, Raighar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shubhen du Sabar said.
The woman’s son subsequently lodged a written complaint at Raighar police station. Police registered a case (247/26) and began an investigation. A scientific team visited the scene and collected evidence, police said. The accused was medically examined and arrested. He was forwarded to court Tuesday, police said. The woman was admitted to a medical facility in Raighar following the incident. Her condition is stable, according to police.
Meanwhile, members of the Raighar Mahila Samiti Sangh staged a protest outside the police station Tuesday, demanding stringent punishment for the accused. The protesters also demonstrated in front of the police vehicle while the accused was being taken for court production. The situation reportedly became tense as some protesters attempted to stop the vehicle and demanded punishment for the accused. Police intervened to control the situation. The incident has raised concern among local residents, while passers-by’s prompt response helped rescue the elderly woman and led to the accused being handed over to police. Police said further investigation is underway.
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