12-Year-Old Girl Sexually Assaulted in Odisha; Suspect Arrested Under POCSO Act
A 12-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district during a wedding function. Police have arrested a 19-year-old suspect and registered a case under the POCSO Act, with investigations currently ongoing to ensure legal proceedings are strictly followed.
Highlights
- •A 12-year-old girl was reportedly sexually assaulted during a wedding in Mayurbhanj.
- •The accused, 19-year-old Deepak Kumar Tudu, has been arrested by Chandua police.
- •The case is being prosecuted under the BNS and the POCSO Act, 2012.
- •Authorities have confirmed that a detailed investigation and evidence collection are ongoing.
Local authorities in Odisha have confirmed a disturbing case of sexual assault involving a 12-year-old girl in the Mayurbhanj district. The incident, which has sparked local outrage, has led to swift legal action against the identified perpetrator, raising renewed concerns regarding child safety and the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
According to official reports, the victim is a student in Class 7 who was attending a wedding celebration in Sonaria village when the event occurred. Law enforcement officials within the Chandua police jurisdiction stated that the suspect, 19-year-old Deepak Kumar Tudu from the nearby village of Kakharuni, allegedly lured the minor away from the wedding venue toward a local agricultural field, where the crime took place.
Legal Action and Investigation Underway
Following a formal complaint submitted by the girl's father, the Chandua police registered a case under the reference number 96/2026. The charges filed include provisions under Sections 64(1) and 65(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), alongside the relevant sections of the POCSO Act, which is designed to provide stringent protections for minors in such cases. The girl is currently receiving necessary medical attention and legal counseling to support her through the investigation process.
Mayurbhanj Additional Superintendent of Police, Deepak Kumar Gochhayat, confirmed that the accused has been taken into custody. Investigators are currently focused on gathering forensic evidence and recording witness statements to build a comprehensive case against the suspect. The authorities have emphasized that a thorough probe is underway to ensure that justice is served promptly.
In response to the incident, police have appealed to the local community to refrain from speculative discussions or spreading unverified information on social media. They have provided assurances that all proper legal protocols are being strictly followed throughout the inquiry. To protect the dignity and privacy of the survivor, her identity remains confidential as mandated by existing laws regarding victims of such serious crimes. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the persistent challenges regarding sexual assault and child protection in the region, prompting calls for heightened vigilance in rural areas during social gatherings.
