Minor Girl Dies by Suicide at Sakhi Centre in Angul After Rescue

Bhubaneswar: In a tragic incident, a minor girl who had been rescued in an alleged abduction case in Odisha’s Angul district died by suicide at a Sakhi Centre where she was kept under protection, police said.

According to officials, the case dates back to April 1, when the girl’s father, a resident of Samakoi village, lodged a complaint at Sadar police station accusing a youth, identified as Benupani, of kidnapping his daughter.

During the investigation, police traced and rescued the girl. Preliminary findings suggested that the two were in a relationship and had allegedly eloped and married.

The case took a grim turn on Friday night when the accused youth reportedly died by suicide. Police sources said he may have taken the extreme step fearing legal action and stress on his family following the complaint.

After her rescue, the minor was placed at a Sakhi Centre in Angul as per standard procedure. However, later that night, she was found dead inside the facility in an apparent case of suicide, triggering shock in the area.

Police have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding both deaths. Further inquiry is underway.