India: Mentally challenged minor girl raped inside Jagannath temple in Odisha

The victim was rescued in a critical condition from the spot and was rushed to the hospital.

Picture for representation
Hindu devotees pull a chariot in front of the Sri Jagannath temple in Puri. Reuters

An 11-year-old mentally challenged girl has been raped by a man inside the premises of a Hindu temple, said police on 2 April. This shocking incident was reported from the Mayurbhanj district in the eastern state of Odisha, India. The incident has sparked outrage among people and they reportedly surrounded the police station, blocked roads and burnt tyres in protest.

According to the report, the incident took place when the victim went to pray inside Lord Jagannath temple on Friday night (31 March). The accused, identified as Gurucharan Behera, lured the girl with chocolates and took her to the holy bathing site and raped her. After the heinous crime, the 28-year-old youth tried to flee, however, he was spotted by locals who thrashed him before handing him over to police.

The victim was rescued in a critical condition from the spot and was rushed to the hospital. Currently, she is being treated in SCB medical college at Cuttack but her conditions remain critical.

Deccan Chronicles reported that Rs 10,000 for the victim's treatment has been sanctioned by sub-collector S K Purohit, who visited the spot during the investigation.

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