Daijiworld Media Network - Bhadrak

Bhadrak, Dec 25: A 10-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered in Odisha’s Bhadrak district, triggering widespread outrage, with locals demolishing the house of the accused, police said on Wednesday.

Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rout said the prime accused was arrested from neighbouring Jagatsinghpur district within 24 hours. Heavy police deployment has been made in Chandbali, and people have been urged not to take the law into their hands.

The minor had gone to school on Tuesday morning but failed to return home, following which a missing complaint was filed. Her body was later found near a bush in Baligaon village under Chandbali police station limits.

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep anguish over the incident. The chief minister announced Rs 10 lakh assistance to the victim’s family and directed officials to ensure the strictest punishment for the accused.

Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik condemned the incident, saying it has shaken civilised society to its core. Opposition parties BJD and Congress have called a six-hour Chandbali block bandh on Thursday in protest.

Police said post-mortem examination is underway and further investigation is in progress.