Hatadihi: In a horrific incident of aggravated sexual assault, a 15-year-old boy from Hatadihi block in Kendujhar district was allegedly sodomised by four persons in Tamil Nadu, raising questions over the safety of migrant workers outside the state.
The boy is battling for life at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Kataka, according to reports. The boy was working at a textile firm in Tamil Nadu, the reports said, adding the incident occurred November 4, when he was alone in his room.
Four men allegedly sexually assaulted him and fled, they said. A relative later found him lying in a critical condition in the room. With the help of relatives, the boy returned to Odisha and reached home November 8.
He was admitted to SCB the next day. The victim’s family lodged a complaint at Nandipada police station November 13. Anandapur Sub-Division al Police Officer Kamal Kumar Panda said the incident took place in Tamil Nadu.
A zero FIR was registered and forwarded to the police station concerned in Tamil Nadu for further investigation. Nandipada PS Inspector Dharmendra Kumar Shanthi said, “The complaint has been transferred to Tamil Nadu for appropriate legal action.
The boy’s family members have demanded the immediate arrest of the accused persons and stringent punishment for them.” Bhagaban Mallik, secretary of Anandapur Civil Society, sought immediate intervention of the Odisha government and arrest of the accused.
Demanding capital punishment for the criminals, he warned that the organisation would launch a protest if prompt action is not taken.
