A shocking incident has triggered widespread outrage and grief across the Debagada district after a 5-year-old girl was brutally assaulted at a village located on the outskirts of Debagada town.
The minor, who sustained severe injuries, has been transferred to VIMSAR in Burla for advanced medical care.
According to police sources, the horrific incident took place on Sunday when the perpetrator—a youth from Karlaga village under the Kundheigola police jurisdiction—visited the victim’s village. The accused earned a living as a travelling tailor, moving from village to village to stitch quilts (kantha). Taking advantage of an empty house where the five-year-old child was left alone, he committed the crime.
The ghastly ordeal came to light when the victim’s mother returned home and found her child in critical condition. She immediately rushed the young girl to the Deogarh District Headquarters Hospital. Recognising the severity of her injuries, attending medical staff subsequently referred her to Burla Medical College (VIMSAR) for urgent specialised treatment.
Following a formal complaint lodged by the victim’s mother, the Debagada police acted promptly. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act alongside relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code/Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police officials confirmed that the accused youth has been arrested and an in-depth investigation into the incident is actively underway. News of the incident has sent shockwaves throughout the region, sparking intense public concern over safety.
