Dhenkanal Gang-Rape Case: 5th Accused Arrested, SWC Orders Fast-Track Trial

Dhenkanal: In a significant development in the alleged gang rape case of a homeless woman in Odisha’s Dhenkanal, a fifth accused has been arrested. The woman, who is seven months pregnant, had been living in an abandoned Anganwadi centre at Mahulapunji village when the assault occurred.

According to Additional SP Suryamani Pradhan, five suspects have been arrested so far, with a manhunt underway to capture another accused. One of the suspects had died earlier, leaving a total of seven people involved in the crime. The incident came to light after officials from the One Stop Centre (Sakhi Kendra) lodged a police complaint.

Meanwhile, State Women’s Commission (SWC) Commissioner Minati Behera, during her visit to Dhenkanal, directed the police to file a charge sheet within 15 days. She also met the victim at the Sakhi Kendra. The SWC took suo motu cognisance of the matter and has been closely monitoring the investigation.

Dhenkanal SP Madkar Sandeep Sampat assured that the case would be fast-tracked, and a speedy trial would be pursued.

Human Rights Activist Jayanta Kumar Das had alerted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which spurred the police into action, leading to the arrests.

Sources say the victim’s family, affected by poverty, had been living in the deserted Anganwadi centre. The woman’s mother is dead, and her father suffers from mental instability.