In a disturbing case from Brahmapur, Odisha, police have arrested four people in connection with the alleged rape of a Plus-Two college student and the subsequent theft of gold jewellery from her home.
According to police, the main accused, Rajesh Kumar Panigrahi (26), also known as Rani Panda, of Laxmi Nagar’s 6th lane, had developed a relationship with the minor student around two years ago while she was studying at a government college. He allegedly used various forms of inducement to establish a physical relationship with her. Later, he pressured her to bring gold jewellery from her house.
Taking advantage of the family’s absence, the accused entered the residence, broke open an almirah, and fled with gold ornaments. The family later lodged a complaint at Bada Bazaar police station.
Following an investigation under case number 607/26, police arrested Rajesh Kumar Panigrahi along with Sahib Swain (32), A. Manoj Kumar Senapati (67), and K. Mallika Arjun Rao (60). Officers recovered 56 grams of gold, ₹5 lakh in cash, and two cars bearing registration numbers OD 32 N 0302 and OD 07 BF 0302. All four accused have been produced in court, and the victim’s statement has been recorded.
Police continue to investigate the matter.
