In a chilling incident that has shaken the small village of Chargoth in Jajpur district, Odisha, a 6-year-old boy named Shibu Raut was found dead in a stone quarry on April 23, 2025. The Jenapur police have arrested five individuals, all family members of the deceased minor, in connection with the brutal murder.
The tragedy unfolded in the Sahanidiha Panchayat under the Jenapur police station of the Dharmasala block.
According to police reports, Shibu’s body was discovered in a quarry near his home, raising immediate suspicion among villagers. Following an intensive investigation, the Jenapur police apprehended five suspects: Shibu’s grandmother Gunthi Raut (the prime accused), father Bahuda Raut, grandfather Madan Raut, uncle Biranchi Raut, and aunt Barsha Rani Raut. The arrests were made under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and Child Marriage Act, with the accused being forwarded to court.
A Disturbing Family Conspiracy
The motive behind Shibu’s murder is both shocking and deeply rooted in familial disputes. According to police findings, the case traces back to the marriage of Shibu’s mother, Mamata Raut, to Bahuda Raut. Mamata, who belonged to a marginalised community, was impregnated by Bahuda in an illicit relationship before their marriage was formalised following a village council decision. However, post-marriage, Mamata and Shibu faced relentless physical and mental abuse from Bahuda’s family, forcing them to seek refuge in Mamata’s parental home for years.
The situation escalated when Bahuda’s family planned his second marriage. Despite receiving several marriage proposals, the existence of Shibu posed a hurdle, as prospective brides’ families were unwilling to proceed, knowing Bahuda had a son. Determined to clear the way for Bahuda’s remarriage, Gunthi Raut allegedly orchestrated a sinister plan to eliminate Shibu. On April 23, while Shibu was playing in the village after returning from tuition, Gunthi lured him to a nearby stone quarry and pushed him to his death.
Community Outrage and Police Action
The discovery of Shibu’s body the following morning sent shockwaves through the village. Suspecting foul play, villagers confronted the family, leading to a tense standoff where the accused were confined in their home for nearly five hours.
The Jenapur police, led by IIC Nirupama Jena, swiftly intervened, registering a case under sections 65(1), 85, 137(2), 103(1)(3)/(5) of the BNS, sections 6 and 17 of the POCSO Act, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Child Marriage Act.
Jenapur IIC Jena confirmed that the investigation revealed a premeditated conspiracy, with Gunthi Raut playing the central role. The police have assured a thorough probe to ensure justice for Shibu, whose tragic death has highlighted the dark underbelly of familial neglect and violence in rural Odisha.
A Call for Justice
The incident has ignited discussions about child safety and the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting minors. Villagers, still reeling from the loss of young Shibu, demand exemplary punishment for the accused.
The case also underscores the vulnerabilities faced by women and children in marginalised communities, where social stigmas and familial pressures can lead to unimaginable tragedies.
As the legal process unfolds, the Chargotha village tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society. The Jenapur police continue their investigation, with the community closely watching for justice to be served.
