Minor Allegedly Raped After Being Lured Out Of Jharsuguda Hospital; Three Arrested

Jharsuguda:  Police have arrested three individuals, including a teenage girl, in connection with the alleged abduction and rape of a 13-year-old minor from the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) here on Monday.

The arrested individuals have been identified as the prime suspect, Raja Besan (24), and his accomplices, Akash Pradhan (20) and Tripti Naik (19), all residents of the Buromal area.

According to Jharsuguda Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Umashankar Singh, the victim had previously become acquainted with Besan through the social media platform Instagram. On the day of the incident, the minor was visiting the hospital alongside her aunt to attend to her ailing uncle, who was admitted for medical treatment.

Upon learning of the victim’s presence at the medical facility, Besan arrived at the hospital accompanied by Pradhan and Naik. Police officials stated that Besan sent his two associates into the hospital ward to lure the girl outside. Once she stepped out, Besan allegedly took her to a nearby forested area by force and assaulted her before fleeing the scene.

Following a formal complaint, the Airport Police launched a swift investigation. Law enforcement personnel tracked down and arrested Pradhan and Naik in the Buromal area on Tuesday. Besan was apprehended shortly after.

All three suspects have been charged under the relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and have been forwarded to the local court.

Sanjukta Mahapatra, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), confirmed that the minor has undergone a mandatory medical examination, and official legal proceedings against the accused are underway.