18-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Gang-Raped in Jagatsinghpur; One Held, Hunt on for Second Accused

Jagatsinghpur: A disturbing incident of sexual assault has been reported from Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha, where an 18-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by two youths under the Sadar police limits late Monday night. The police have arrested one of the accused while a manhunt is underway to trace the second.

According to sources, the incident occurred when the girl was on her way to attend a birthday celebration at a friend’s house in a neighbouring village. She had left home around 8 PM, accompanied by a friend, and was reportedly taking a shortcut through nearby farmlands when two youths intercepted them.

The duo allegedly dragged the girl to a secluded location and sexually assaulted her, while her companion managed to escape. The assault took place just 400 metres from the victim’s home.

The girl returned home in a traumatised state and was found bleeding, following which her family rushed her to the district headquarters hospital. Based on a complaint filed by her father, the Jagatsinghpur police launched a probe into the matter.

A mobile phone, believed to belong to one of the accused, was recovered from the scene of the crime. A scientific team was dispatched to the location to collect forensic evidence, and three separate police teams were formed to identify and apprehend the suspects, who are believed to be from a nearby village.

Jagatsinghpur Superintendent of Police, Bhawani Sankar Udgata, confirmed the development, stating, “The incident occurred at an isolated place within Town police limits. One accused was apprehended on Monday night. A search operation is underway to nab the second individual involved.”

Police are also questioning the girl’s friend and her mother to gather more details about the sequence of events and establish connections, if any, between the parties involved.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked political outrage, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) issuing a warning that it will gherao the SP’s office if both accused are not arrested within 24 hours.

The survivor is currently undergoing treatment, and her condition is being closely monitored by doctors.

Authorities have assured that the investigation is being carried out with urgency and that strict action will be taken against those responsible.