Public outcry in Odisha over rape of minor girl

The rape of a nine-year-old girl in Khurda district of Odisha on Wednesday has led to widespread public outcry and prompted the state government to announce financial and medical assistance for the victim and her family.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced financial assistance of Rs. two lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the victim's family and told the district collector of Khurda to ensure that the funds are disbursed as soon as possible.

Earlier, the state government had announced free medical treatment to the victim.

Police Commissioner R.P. Sharma said the case will be treated as a Red Flag case and a chargesheet will be filed soon.

He said the accused would be tried in a fast track court.

The DNA test of the minor girl will be conducted while her statement will also be recorded, the Police Commissioner added.

The minor girl was brutally raped at Loco Colony in Jatni, about 20 km from the state capital on Wednesday night. The police have arrested the accused who has several criminal cases pending against him.

The incident sparked public outrage across the state while the political parties have blamed the government for what they see as collapse of law and order.

The state wing of BJP on Saturday staged demonstrations across Odisha, protesting against the growing crimes against women. The women activists of Congress on Friday staged a silent dharna in the state capital.