Police in Bhubaneswar rescued a 12-year-old minor girl from a house in Sailashree Vihar after allegations of physical abuse surfaced.
Officers detained the house owner’s wife for interrogation following complaints that the girl was forced to work as a domestic help and subjected to repeated assaults.
Witnesses reported that the girl endured regular beatings for minor mistakes and was locked inside the house after sustaining injuries. On one occasion, she escaped and sought help from locals, who immediately alerted Chandrasekharpur police.
Child protection officials shifted the girl to Capital Hospital for medical treatment. Doctors confirmed multiple injury marks across her body, while counsellors began sessions to address her fragile mental state.
Police assured strict legal action against the accused and initiated a detailed investigation. Authorities are examining the girl’s condition and gathering evidence to ensure justice.
The incident triggered outrage among residents and child rights activists, who condemned the exploitation of minors as domestic workers. They stressed that employing children and subjecting them to abuse violates fundamental child rights.
Activists highlighted that Bhubaneswar has witnessed several similar cases in recent years, including instances of physical assault, sexual exploitation, and forced labour. They demanded stronger enforcement of child protection laws and awareness campaigns to prevent recurrence.
Officials urged citizens to report such incidents immediately to Childline (1098) or the nearest police station.
