Police arrested four individuals in connection with the rape and murder of a 16-year-old Plus II first-year student from Kamakhyanagar Women’s College.
Dhenkanal SP Abhinav Sonkar confirmed the arrests during a press conference at the Kamakhyanagar SDPO office.
The main accused has been identified as Gangadhar Patra alias Jaga from Saantarapur village. The other three are Chandan Kumar Naik from San Indipur, Madanmohan Patra from Saantarapur, and Rasanand Naik from Kumusi under Parjang police station.
The victim, a resident of Marthapur under Bhuban police limits, went missing after her examination on March 19. Her mutilated body was discovered the next day in Saruali forest near Kamakhyanagar, sparking outrage and suspicions of sexual assault.
Investigators seized crucial evidence, including a car allegedly used in the crime, three mobile phones, the victim’s blood-soaked stole, and her college bag. Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act, given the minor status of the victim.
The arrested individuals have been forwarded to court. Senior officials, including the Additional SP and Kamakhyanagar SDPO, attended the press briefing. SP Sonkar said the police launched an intensive investigation immediately after receiving information and arrested all the accused within 48 hours. The post-mortem report is awaited, and the investigation continues.
