Three-year-old girl raped in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, accused youth arrested within 24 hours

A three-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man while she was playing in his house in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Sunday. Santosh Khuntia, 23, who fled after the incident came to light, was arrested within 24 hours, police said.

According to an India Today report, Khuntia was under the influence of alcohol when the incident occurred and there was no one else in his house at the time. Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Prateek Singh said the child was rescued by her family, who started searching for her after she did not return home, India Today reported.

She was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but is said to have since stabilized.

According to a report in the New Indian Express, the victim’s family had filed a complaint with the airport police and a case was registered.

A special police team arrived at the crime scene in nearby Pipli area and the accused was nabbed within 24 hours. The accused works as a driver and is said to have threatened the victim’s mother as well.

Police said they have collected all crucial evidence from the accused and investigation is underway. They also said the accused was medically examined at Capital Hospital before being produced in the court.

“Subsequently, an operation was initiated and the accused was nabbed within 24 hours. The forensic team has secured all the evidence and the survivor was immediately given medical attention. The medical examination of the accused was also done,” Singh was quoted as saying by Odisha TV.

Singh told The New Indian Express that the police not only provided medical assistance to the child but also counselled her family members.

Further investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to expedite compensation for the family.

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