Koraput: In a horrific tale of sexual violence, a 15-year-old girl in Malkangiri district was first allegedly gang-raped by three men and later sexually assaulted by a truck driver on the pretext of offering her a lift after seeing the teenager in a distressed condition. Though the incidents happened on Sunday, they came to light after the girl’s family members lodged a missing person’s complaint on Monday. All four men, including the truck driver from Madhya Pradesh, were arrested on Tuesday. Malkangiri superintendent of police (SP) Vinod Patil said while the two cases are unrelated, they involve the same girl. “Swift action was taken following the complaints, leading to the arrest of all four accused, including three youths and a truck driver. The survivor has undergone a medical examination and is currently receiving care at a govt-run childcare centre,” Patil said.According to the police, the first incident occurred on Sunday when three men, all in their late 20s, allegedly gang-raped the minor inside a house in Malkangiri between 7 pm and 8 pm after abducting her earlier in the day.While the distressed survivor was returning home later in the evening, the 26-year-old truck driver saw her and on the pretext of offering her a lift, took her to about 15 km from Malkangiri town, and raped her. The driver was travelling to Jeypore in Koraput district, transporting cement. The girl was rescued by some passers-by late in the night after hearing her crying. After the girl did not return home on Sunday night, family members filed a missing person’s complaint with the police on Monday. “No sooner did the matter come to our notice, swift action was taken. The driver was arrested and the girl rescued within six hours of receiving the complaint,” the SP said.“Police are committed to a thorough investigation and will take strict action against the perpetrators. A case has been registered under relevant sections of law,” Patil added.The incidents triggered outrage in the district. Opposition parties, including the Congress and the BJD, staged protests outside the local police station accusing the state govt of failing to prevent rising cases of crimes against women.BJD district president Manas Madkami demanded the chief minister’s resignation and swift justice for the survivor, warning of statewide protests if action is not taken. Chitrakonda MLA Mangu Khilo also called for accountability from the administration.Responding to the allegations, senior BJP leader Maniklal Chakraborty cautioned against politicising the matter. “This is a grave issue. All parties must come together to ensure justice for the girl,” Chakraborty said.
