Man arrested for kidnapping and raping minor girl in Odisha

Police on Saturday arrested a 25- year-old man on charge of kidnapping and raping a mir girl from Sukinda area in Odisha's Jajpur district, an officer said.

accused has been identified as Bhagaban Moharana of Bhandaripokhari area in neighbouring Bhrak district, officer said.

matter came to light when girl went missing on October 15, following which her mor lodged a complaint with local police.

Police said Bhagaban, a native of Bhandaripokhari area in Bhrak district and a carpenter by profession was staying at his sister house in Sukinda area in Jajpur district. carpenter h worked in victim's house in Lembo vill last month.

During his work accused h befriended 16- year-old girl, y said.

"On October 15, girl was returning home on a scooter from Sukinda tehsil office when Bhagaban intercepted her near Lembo vill and kidnapped her. Later, he took girl to his native place with help of a local woman," said Siba Charan Majhi, Inspector-in-charge of (IIC) of Sukinda police station.

When girl did t return home by same night, her family started a frantic search but failed to trace her.

Later, y filed a police complaint on October 16.

On investigation, police tracked mobile phone of girl and device showed its location in Bhandaripokhari area in Bhrak district.

victim was rescued on Friday, while accused was arrested under section 376 (rape) among or provisions of IPC and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, official said.

Police also arrested woman, who assisted accused in kidnapping girl.

Police conducted a medical examination on both accused and victim and handed over mir girl to her family.