Berhampur: A nine-year-old girl has been left battling for life after she was allegedly raped by a relative during a marriage function in Dengadi village under Patapur police limits of Ganjam district Tuesday.
The girl, who started bleeding profusely after the sexual assault, has been admitted to the Berhampur-based MKCG Medical College and Hospital. She is yet to regain consciousness and her condition is critical, medical authorities said. The accused, Muna Badatya of Bhismagiri village under Digapahandi block has been arrested and has been sent for medical examination and will be produced in court, cops said.
This incident comes within 24 hours of another similar incident where a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped at a neighbouring village under T Gobindpur panchayat of this police limits. Simultaneous incidents of rape have spread tension among the residents who have demanded stringent action against the accused.
Sources said that the marriage ceremony of Debahari Badatya’s son was arranged in Patua village. The girl along with her family members had come to attend the function.
Meanwhile, Muna lured the girl and took her to a school where he allegedly raped her. Since schools are closed due to summer holidays, the villagers had no inkling about the heinous crime.
Once the function got over, the girl’s absence was noticed. Her family members started searching for her and found her lying unconscious in the school corridor. The girl narrated her ordeal to her parents after gaining consciousness, who then lodged a written complaint with the Patapur police. Irate villagers nabbed Muna and thrashed him before handing him over to the cops.
The victim was first admitted to a local hospital and later shifted to Berhampur-based MKCG Medical College and Hospital after her condition worsened and she lost consciousness.
A case has been registered and a proper probe is on, IIC Ramesh Kumar Pradhan said.
