Teenager arrested for raping toddler in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: The city police on Monday arrested a 23-year-old youth for allegedly raping a two-and-a-half-year-old girl. The accused, Santosh Khuntia of Panchagaon village under Airfield Police jurisdiction, was produced before the court on Tuesday.

According to police, Khuntia is a neighbour of the girl’s family. On Sunday around 7 pm, the toddler was playing outside her house when he allegedly persuaded her to go with him. The girl’s mother became worried when she could not find her. During her search, she found her daughter lying bleeding on the bed in Khuntia’s house. The accused, a truck driver, also reportedly tried to assault the mother when she confronted him about the incident.

Family members immediately lodged a complaint with the Airfield police and a case was registered. The girl was taken to Capital Hospital for treatment while the Airfield police formed a team to nab Khuntia, who fled after committing the crime.

During investigation, police came to know that the accused had fled to Pipili with one of his friends. “The accused was traced and arrested within 24 hours of the crime. The girl was immediately provided medical attention while police also counselled her family members,” said DCP Prateek Singh.

The accused has been medically examined and his involvement in the crime is prima facie established. Further investigation is underway and efforts are being made to expedite the process to provide compensation to the victim, Singh added.