An alleged gang-rape case in Nimapada of Puri district has taken a new turn after the complainant reportedly gave a statement before a magistrate that differed from her earlier version, following which police released four youths detained in connection with the case.
The case involves a young woman who had recently joined a private guest house in Nimapada. According to the initial complaint, she had previously worked at a guest house in Bhubaneswar before joining the Nimapada establishment on September 1.
Four youths detained after initial complaint
The woman had initially alleged that four youths working at the guest house sexually assaulted her on September 8.
Following the complaint, police detained the four youths for questioning and investigation in connection with the alleged offence.
However, the case took a fresh turn after the complainant appeared before the Konark JMFC magistrate and reportedly gave a statement that differed from her earlier account.
Following the change in her statement, police released the four detained youths, according to available information.
Lawyers seek impartial probe
The development has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the change in the complainant’s statement and the sequence of events during the investigation.
Lawyers have called for an impartial probe to determine the facts of the case and establish whether any pressure, coercion or outside influence was involved in the change of statement.
Police are continuing to examine the available evidence, statements and other aspects of the case before deciding the further course of action.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the release of the four youths does not by itself establish whether the original allegations were true or false.
