In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through Rayagada, a married woman was allegedly raped by a youth who lured her and her husband under the pretext of providing shelter for the night.
The couple, hailing from Bandhugaon block in Koraput district, had been working as labourers in Tamil Nadu and were returning home via train when they arrived in Rayagada.
According to reports, the incident occurred late last night around 8 PM. The couple was waiting at the Rayagada bus stand to catch a ride back to their village when an unknown youth approached them. He informed them that no vehicles were available for Bandhugaon at that hour and warned that staying at the bus stand could lead to their belongings being stolen. Claiming to belong to the same community, he convinced them to stay at his house in Koila Sahi, a locality in Rayagada town.
The youth first took the couple to his residence. Later, he separated them by leaving the wife at a nearby shop while escorting the husband to another spot, promising to fetch some refreshments. After making the husband wait for a long time, the youth returned without the items and led the husband back to the shop. However, locals informed the husband that the youth had already taken his wife away.
The youth had allegedly taken the woman to a nearby jungle in Koila Sahi and forcibly raped her. The distraught woman later reunited with her husband, tearfully recounting the assault. The husband immediately filed a complaint at the Rayagada police station.
Following the complaint, Rayagada SDPO Gaurahari Sahu led a team to investigate the scene. The police scientific team arrived at the site and recovered evidence, including the accused’s handkerchief and a cap.
The youth has been detained at the Rayagada police station for questioning. A case has been registered, and the victim has undergone a medical examination as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are continuing their probe into the matter.
