Argus News - Minor Girl Murdered by Aunt in Ganjam, The Reason Will Shock You

Bhanjanagar, Apr 9: An appalling incident has shocked Ganjam district, where a nine‑year‑old girl was brutally killed by her own aunt. The crime took place near Laxmanpalli village under Chamunda in Jagannathprasad police limits.

The victim, Archana Maharana, daughter of Mangulu Maharana from Kanakuturu village in Buguda block, had been staying at her uncle’s house for studies.

On April 7, she returned to her native village with her mother and elder sister to attend the annual Danda Jatra. Later that evening, Archana went missing around 11 am. Family members searched extensively but failed to find her, eventually lodging a missing complaint at Jagannathprasad police station.
Also read: Odisha Cabinet to Discuss Seven Proposals with Focus on Water, Food, and Education Policies

Police began questioning relatives and soon focused on Archana’s aunt. During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime. Investigators revealed that the aunt was allegedly involved in a secret relationship with another man. Archana had seen her with the companion and, fearing exposure, the aunt decided to silence her niece permanently.

According to police, the accused first covered Archana with a cloth, then strangled her using a ribbon. Taking advantage of an empty house, she carried the body to a neighbour’s latrine area, concealed it under debris, and attempted to hide all traces.

Following the confession, police recovered the body and sent it to Berhampur MKCG Medical College for post‑mortem. The accused is currently in custody, and further investigation is underway.

The shocking murder has sparked outrage in the locality. Family members of the deceased have demanded the harshest punishment, including capital penalty, for the accused. The community remains in grief, mourning the loss of a child whose life was cut short in a horrific manner.