A 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped after being forcibly taken from Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital on Monday.
Police arrested three people, including a 19-year-old girl, in connection with the crime.
Reports said the minor had accompanied her aunt to the hospital to attend to her uncle admitted for treatment. The main accused, identified as Raja Besan (24) of Buromal area, had befriended the girl through Instagram. After learning she was at the hospital, Raja reached the spot with his associates, Akash Pradhan (20) and Tripti Naik (19).
Police said Raja sent Akash and Tripti inside the ward to call the girl outside. Once she stepped out, Raja allegedly took her to a nearby forested area and raped her before fleeing.
Based on a complaint, Airport police launched an investigation and arrested Akash and Tripti from Buromal on Tuesday. Later, Raja was also apprehended. All three accused have been booked under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and produced before the court.
Child Welfare Committee Chairperson Sanjukta Mahapatra confirmed that the minor’s medical examination has been completed and the accused forwarded to court. Jharsuguda SDPO Umashankar Singh said police are continuing the investigation.
