Man arrested for raping minor from Keonjhar tribe

Keonjhar: Keonjhar police on Sunday arrested a man for allegedly abducting and raping a 14-year-old tribal girl in Telkoi area of ​​the district a week ago. Subdivisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mahendra Nath Murmu identified the accused as Sk Qurban, 46, a resident of Telkoi police station area of ​​the district. The accused was said to be involved in illegal cattle smuggling and other petty businesses in the area. He was produced before a court after his arrest on Sunday evening, Murmu said. According to police, the incident took place when the survivor was going to the weekly market in Barahadevata on July 14. The accused abducted the survivor on his motorcycle and raped her at a deserted place. He then abandoned her on National Highway 49 and fled.

Meanwhile, worried family members started searching for the girl after she returned home late at night. They finally tracked her down at a place on Kanjipani Ghat Road (NH 49) the same night and took her to Telkoi Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment. After her condition improved following treatment, she narrated her ordeal to her mother. Later, the family members complained to Telkoi police station. Murmu said Qurban went into hiding soon after the incident. The police’s failure to nab the culprit had triggered resentment and anger among the residents of the area. Finally, a police team led by Sub-Inspectors (SIs) Dilip Murmu and Abhay Kulu conducted raids at several places before succeeding in arresting him from Karanjia area of ​​Mayurbhanj district on Sunday, Murmu added.