Stepfather Apprehended After Six-Year Manhunt in Minor's Rape and Abortion Case
In a significant development in a harrowing case from Odisha, the stepfather of a then 13-year-old girl, who is a key accused in her 2020 rape and illegal abortion, was arrested by the crime branch on Saturday. The arrest was confirmed by police officials on Monday, marking the end of a six-year period during which the 43-year-old accused had been evading authorities.
Court Proceedings and Judicial Custody
The accused was promptly produced before a Pocso (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court following his arrest. The court, after hearing the details of the case, remanded him to judicial custody. This arrest adds to the list of individuals already implicated in this disturbing incident, which previously saw the apprehension of a police inspector, a doctor, and a homeguard-cum-driver.
Unveiling of the Crime and Initial FIR
The shocking crime first came to public attention when district child protection officer Sribant Jena lodged a formal FIR on June 24, 2020. The complaint detailed allegations of sexual assault and the illegal termination of pregnancy involving the minor. The FIR explicitly named several individuals as accused, including two police personnel, a doctor, two youths acquainted with the girl, and her stepfather.
Details of the Assault and Subsequent Abortion
According to the FIR and the victim's own statement, the minor girl endured repeated sexual assaults by a senior police officer at a local police station. Tragically, after she became pregnant as a result of these assaults, she was allegedly brought back to the same police station on June 14, 2020. It was there that arrangements were reportedly made for the illegal termination of her pregnancy, further compounding the trauma.
High-Level Intervention and Prior Arrests
Taking the grave allegations with utmost seriousness, the then Director General of Police (DGP) Abhay ordered a comprehensive crime branch probe into the case on June 30, 2020. Swift action followed, with the inspector in-charge of the concerned police station being dismissed from service on July 1, 2020. He was arrested by the crime branch later that same day. Subsequently, a medical officer, accused of performing the abortion, and the driver, alleged to have assisted the police officer, were also taken into custody.
Conclusion of the Manhunt
The girl's stepfather had managed to remain absconding for the past six years, eluding law enforcement until his capture on Saturday. Inspector R P Nag provided a succinct update on the arrest, stating, "The accused was arrested by the crime branch and produced before the Pocso court, which sent him to judicial custody." This arrest represents a crucial step towards justice in a case that has highlighted severe lapses and criminal conduct within positions of authority.
