Phulbani: A 60-yearold man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to rape his 12-year-old relative in Kandhamal district, police said Sunday. The incident occurred under Gochhapada police limits in Firingia block.
The accused, identified as Bijay Digal of Kekeringia village, was arrested and later produced before a local court. According to police, the minor had gone to a temple in her village on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri when she met her relative.
He allegedly told her that her mother was unwell and asked her to return home with him. Instead of taking the usual route, he reportedly led her through a forest path on the pretext of reaching home faster. Police said the accused allegedly tore the girl’s clothes and attempted to sexually assault her.
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The minor managed to resist and struck him, following which she escaped and informed her family members. The girl’s father has died and her mother is reportedly unwell. Her aunt lodged a complaint at the Gochhapada police station Saturday.
A case (34/2026) has been registered at the Gochhapada police station. After recording the minor’s statement, police arrested the accused and forwarded him to court, Inspector-In-Charge Sanjit Kumar Behera said.