Crime / 5-Year-Old Girl Sexually Assaulted at Religious Event in Odisha's Deogarh District
·2 months ago·2 min read
Key Points
- A 5-year-old girl was sexually assaulted while attending a religious event in Deogarh district, Odisha.
- The accused, Udit Patra, was apprehended by villagers, who rescued the child; he was later taken into police custody.
- Case registered under POCSO Act; girl is stable after medical examination. Police investigation and forensic examination ongoing.
Deogarh, Jan 26: A 5-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Odisha's Deogarh district, a source said Monday.
The incident took place in the Barkote police station area while the child was attending a religious event on Sunday night.
The accused, identified as Udit Patra, was present at the same event and separated the child from the gathering before committing the crime near a roadside location, police said. The child raised an alarm, drawing the attention of nearby villagers.
Villagers rushed to the spot, rescued the girl and apprehended the accused. The accused was assaulted by villagers before police arrived.
The accused sustained injuries and was taken to Deogarh district hospital. He remains in police custody. The girl was taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment. Hospital authorities said her condition is stable.
Deogarh Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Mishra said a case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Statements from the victim, her parents and eyewitnesses have been recorded.
A forensic team has been called to examine the crime scene. Preliminary information suggests the accused lured the child away from the religious program and committed the offence, Mishra said.
Also Read: Natalie Portman Criticises Oscars for Overlooking Female Directors in 2026
Police said the accused was visiting relatives in the area. Family members of the victim have filed a formal complaint. Police said the accused will appear in court after medical procedures are complete. The investigation continues.
The incident took place in the Barkote police station area while the child was attending a religious event on Sunday night.
The accused, identified as Udit Patra, was present at the same event and separated the child from the gathering before committing the crime near a roadside location, police said. The child raised an alarm, drawing the attention of nearby villagers.
Villagers rushed to the spot, rescued the girl and apprehended the accused. The accused was assaulted by villagers before police arrived.
The accused sustained injuries and was taken to Deogarh district hospital. He remains in police custody. The girl was taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment. Hospital authorities said her condition is stable.
Deogarh Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Mishra said a case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Statements from the victim, her parents and eyewitnesses have been recorded.
A forensic team has been called to examine the crime scene. Preliminary information suggests the accused lured the child away from the religious program and committed the offence, Mishra said.
Also Read: Natalie Portman Criticises Oscars for Overlooking Female Directors in 2026
Police said the accused was visiting relatives in the area. Family members of the victim have filed a formal complaint. Police said the accused will appear in court after medical procedures are complete. The investigation continues.
📱 Get Argus News App
✨📰 60 Word News🎬 Argus Podcast📺 Live TV and Breaking News🔔 Free Notification Alerts
Download Free:
Related Topics
Explore more stories