Two Tribal Minors Gang Raped in Odisha: Investigation Ongoing as Three Suspects Detained

Police have registered a case under various sections of the BNS and POCSO Act following the assault on two minor girls.

Two tribal minor girls, aged 13 and 14, were allegedly gang-raped by five men in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha while returning home with their friends, according to police statements released Saturday.

The incident occurred Wednesday night but only came to light after the victims' parents filed a formal complaint at Rasgovindpur police station on Friday.

According to police reports, the girls, students of classes 8 and 9, had visited a neighboring village with two male friends to attend a 'jatra' or traditional theater performance. During their journey home, the group was intercepted by several young men who assaulted the boys before forcibly taking the girls away.

Authorities have detained three suspects in connection with the crime, while search operations continue for the remaining two alleged perpetrators.

Law enforcement has registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has raised concerns over women's safety in the state, claiming that more than 5,000 women have been raped in Odisha during the past 16 months.

BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty stated, "The horrifying statistic reflects the deteriorating condition of women under the present BJP government in the state."