Odisha Crime News / Probe Deepens as Week-Old Baby Found Outside POCSO Accused’s House in Odisha's Jajpur
·1 month ago·3 min read
Key Points
- A newborn girl was found near the house of Padmanabha Satpathy, a key accused in a POCSO case involving a 16-year-old in Jajpur.
- The infant, rescued from stray dogs, is around seven days old and stable after treatment; the minor's pregnancy was allegedly terminated illegally two days ago.
- Police arrested Satpathy and hospital MD Manoj Nayak; investigation now focused on linking the newborn to the case.
Jajpur, Feb 17: A newborn baby girl was rescued near the house of a key accused in an alleged rape case involving a minor in Odisha’s Jajpur district, adding a dramatic twist to the investigation, a source said on Tuesday.
The infant was found late at night on Monday near the residence of 70-year-old Padmanabha Satpathy, one of the two men arrested in the case under Jajpur Road police station limits.
The discovery has raised serious questions, as police had earlier stated that the 16-year-old survivor had undergone a pregnancy termination at a private nursing home just two days ago.
Infant Rescued
The baby was spotted by a local woman who heard continuous crying near Satpathy’s gate. She noticed three stray dogs circling the infant and attempting to attack her.
Her son, Rabindra Sahoo, rushed to the spot after receiving her call.
“I was dropping off guests when my mother phoned and asked me to come immediately. She heard a baby crying and saw dogs around her. I told her to stay there and keep the dogs away. When I reached, I dialled 112. Police arrived and took the baby to the hospital,” Sahoo said.
The infant was taken to Jajpur Road Community Health Centre around 11:50pm.
Also Read: Odisha Police Rescue Toddler Allegedly Sold For Rs1 Lakh, Two Detained
Baby Around Seven Days Old, Doctor Says
Dr Gautam Sahoo, a paediatrician at the hospital, said the baby was suffering from severe hypothermia when brought in.
“Her body temperature was very low. We provided immediate treatment and her condition is now stable. She weighs around 2.4 kilograms and appears to be about seven days old. Further tests will be conducted to rule out infection,” he said.
The baby is expected to be handed over to the Child Welfare Committee, police said.
Background
Police registered a case on February 15 at Jajpur Road police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to investigators, Satpathy allegedly raped the 16-year-old girl multiple times while she was working at his house. The minor later became pregnant. Police said she was taken by Satpathy to a private hospital in Jajpur Road for an abortion.
Based on a complaint filed by the girl’s father, police arrested Satpathy and Manoj Kumar Nayak, managing director of the private hospital. Both were later produced before a POCSO court.
Investigation Intensifies
The recovery of a week-old infant near the accused’s residence has complicated the case, particularly in light of earlier claims that the minor’s pregnancy had been medically terminated illegally.
Police said efforts are underway to establish whether the newborn is linked to the case and to determine the exact sequence of events.
Further investigation is ongoing.
The infant was found late at night on Monday near the residence of 70-year-old Padmanabha Satpathy, one of the two men arrested in the case under Jajpur Road police station limits.
The discovery has raised serious questions, as police had earlier stated that the 16-year-old survivor had undergone a pregnancy termination at a private nursing home just two days ago.
Infant Rescued
The baby was spotted by a local woman who heard continuous crying near Satpathy’s gate. She noticed three stray dogs circling the infant and attempting to attack her.
Her son, Rabindra Sahoo, rushed to the spot after receiving her call.
“I was dropping off guests when my mother phoned and asked me to come immediately. She heard a baby crying and saw dogs around her. I told her to stay there and keep the dogs away. When I reached, I dialled 112. Police arrived and took the baby to the hospital,” Sahoo said.
The infant was taken to Jajpur Road Community Health Centre around 11:50pm.
Also Read: Odisha Police Rescue Toddler Allegedly Sold For Rs1 Lakh, Two Detained
Baby Around Seven Days Old, Doctor Says
Dr Gautam Sahoo, a paediatrician at the hospital, said the baby was suffering from severe hypothermia when brought in.
“Her body temperature was very low. We provided immediate treatment and her condition is now stable. She weighs around 2.4 kilograms and appears to be about seven days old. Further tests will be conducted to rule out infection,” he said.
The baby is expected to be handed over to the Child Welfare Committee, police said.
Background
Police registered a case on February 15 at Jajpur Road police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to investigators, Satpathy allegedly raped the 16-year-old girl multiple times while she was working at his house. The minor later became pregnant. Police said she was taken by Satpathy to a private hospital in Jajpur Road for an abortion.
Based on a complaint filed by the girl’s father, police arrested Satpathy and Manoj Kumar Nayak, managing director of the private hospital. Both were later produced before a POCSO court.
Investigation Intensifies
The recovery of a week-old infant near the accused’s residence has complicated the case, particularly in light of earlier claims that the minor’s pregnancy had been medically terminated illegally.
Police said efforts are underway to establish whether the newborn is linked to the case and to determine the exact sequence of events.
Further investigation is ongoing.
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