Odisha orders judicial probe into Kunduli gang-rape case

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday ordered a judicial probe and also a simultaneous Crime Branch investigation into the alleged rape of a tribal girl in Koraput district by four men in uniform.

A District Judge will conduct the probe in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act of 1952.

A full investigation will also be taken up by the Crime Branch, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office said.

The decision came a day after police ruled out the rape of the tribal from Kunduli.

The Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) of Odisha Police on Tuesday said the medical reports revealed that the minor was not gang-raped as claimed by her and her family.

HRPC Additional Director General Mahendra Pratap submitted the medical reports to the Odisha Human Rights Commission, which mentioned that the medical experts have found no proof of gang-rape after examining the girl.

The Class IX student had alleged that she was gang-raped by a group of security personnel on October 10 while returning from school. The incident triggered an outrage.

A case under Sections 376 (D) and 377 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act was registered.

--IANS

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