Bhubaneswar: Taking the rape and subsequent strangulation of the Salepur six-year-old girl seriously, the Crime Branch of Odisha designated it as a ‘Red Flag’ case Monday. The case will be handled as per the new laws amended by the government under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) act.
As per the new law, the accused might get minimum punishment of 20-year of rigorous jail-term and can go up to death penalty. This is the first such case in the State after the new law.
“The CB will also appoint special public prosecutors for better investigation and the hearings will be held every day. Process will be expedited to collect the DNA samples, finger print and other material evidences,” ADG Crime Branch, Santosh Upadhaya stated before media persons at a press meet at the Crime Branch head office.
“This will be a lesson for others,” Upadhaya added.
The miscreant had left the six-year-old girl to die after raping her and subsequently strangling her near her school under Nischintakoili block April 21. Locals rescued her in a critical condition and admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack where she succumbed to the injuries after battling for nine days.
An accused Mohammed Mustak (25) has been arrested in this connection.