Odisha Police arrested the prime accused in the brutal rape and murder of a 10‑year‑old girl from Chandbali in Bhadrak district.
The suspect, Bablu Das, was apprehended in Jagatsinghpur district early Wednesday, marking a major breakthrough in the case.
The crime occurred on December 23 when the minor went missing after school. Her body, soaked in blood, was found near a bush in Baligaon village under Chandbali Police Station limits. Investigators confirmed she was sexually assaulted before being killed.
Public anger erupted soon after the discovery. Locals staged road blockades and protests late Tuesday, demanding swift justice. Police detained five individuals, including four family members of a local resident, for questioning. A sniffer dog guided investigators to the house of Ganesh Das in Rampalli village, leading to the detentions.
Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Manoj Rout confirmed the arrest of Bablu Das. He said a platoon of armed police has been deployed in the village to prevent unrest. A Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police will visit the site for an on‑ground review.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over child safety in rural Odisha. Authorities assured a thorough probe, with scientific teams examining CCTV footage and other evidence.
The victim’s family and villagers continue to demand harsh punishment for those responsible. The body has been sent for postmortem, and further investigation is underway.
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