Odisha Woman Sarpanch Sells Minor Orphaned Girl to Gujarat Couple for ₹5 Lakh

Sundargarh: A woman sarpanch in Odisha’s Sundargarh district has been accused of selling an orphaned minor girl to a Gujarat couple for Rs 5 lakh. The victim was subjected to torture as a domestic helper but managed to escape and reveal her harrowing experience.

The alleged crime took place in July 2022. The sarpanch, Dalrasa Gudia, initially promised the girl skill development in tailoring at an institute in Jharsuguda. However, she took the girl to Ahmedabad and employed her as domestic help instead. The couple, Vinay Patel and Sunita subjected the girl to harassment and torture.

The girl was permitted to return to her village after six months but was forced to go back to Ahmedabad. She then filed a complaint at Dharuadihi police station, but her complaint was not registered. She later approached the Superintendent of Police (SP), and her statement was recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

The police have registered a case against the sarpanch and the couple under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The sarpanch is currently evading arrest.