Accused in Nilagiri rape case arrested

The accused in the alleged rape of a four-year-old girl in Nilagiri in Odisha's Balasore district was arrested today, shortly after the issue rocked the state Assembly during the day.

He was held from Bant Chhak area of Bhadrak, Balasore SP, B Jugal Kishore said.

"Three police teams were formed to nab the accused, who was arrested within a very short period," he said.

The minor girl's statement has also been recorded and her medical examination conducted, the officer said.

Police swung into action after the girl's father lodged a complaint on April 14, alleging that his daughter was sexually assaulted by his neighbour on April 13.

The girl was playing when the neighbour offered her chocolates and called her to his house where she was sexually assaulted, police said.

The SP also said investigation was in progress in another case relating to the alleged rape of an eight-year-old girl in Soro area of the district on Saturday. The accused in the case is already in police custody, he said.

The state Assembly had witnessed repeated adjournments earlier in the day over the issue of rape of minor girls, with Opposition Congress alleging deterioration of law and order situation in the state.