Odisha CM orders SIT probe into minor's gang rape

The Odisha government on Wednesday announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged gang rape of a minor girl in Koraput district by security personnel last year.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also requested the Orissa High Court to monitor the investigation in the "extraordinary circumstances of the case" following the death of the victim.

He said given his "strong faith and conviction in the principles of natural justice and commitment to safety and dignity of women", his government has decided to "take immediate steps for handing over the investigation" to a SIT "with a prayer for it to be monitored by the court".

In addition to transferring the case to the Crime Branch, the state government has also instituted an independent judicial inquiry with a sitting judge nominated by the High Court, he said.

Patnaik said the state is committed that justice be delivered at the earliest and in the most transparent manner.

A minor tribal girl was allegedly gang raped by security personnel in Kunduli area on October 10, 2017. She committed suicide at her house on January 22.

The incident had triggered massive public outrage across the state. Both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the rape case.

The family members of the victim are also demanding a CBI probe alleging that they have lost faith in the state police.

--IANS

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