As a 14-year-old girl battles for her life after she was allegedly gang raped and set on fire, the police has assured a thorough enquiry into the case after the father of the victim has demanded death penalty for the accused.
The incident took place on Sunday in Kharinasi village of Kendrapada District of Odisha.
"They called my daughter to their house and there was nobody except them so they raped her-both Ekadasi Das and Pradip Das. One of them was annoyed with my elder daughter. He said that since he could not get my elder daughter so he would take my younger one. Ekadasi Das used to threaten me over the telephone. I spoke to my villagers and they assured me that they would solve the matter in the village meeting. Further, I appealed to the Panchayat. I want that they should be hanged," the father of the victim said here on Monday.
The police have confirmed that Ekadasi Das, 18, is still absconding while Pradip Das, 17, who allegedly set the victim on fire has been arrested.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Santanu Padhy has promised a comprehensive probe into the case.
"The incident is being thoroughly investigated. The FIR lodged alleged that the victim was sexually abused. A team of police officials have gone to SCB Medical College and Hospital to record the victim's statement. We are waiting for the medical report and the victim's statement to confirm sexual abuse," Padhy said here on Monday .
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, more than 24,200 rapes were reported across the country in 2011 - about one every 20 minutes. Police estimate only four out of 10 rapes are reported.
According to reports, the teenager victim is a student of Standard 7 and was shifted to Sriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College Hospital in Cuttack after her condition deteriorated. The victim has suffered 70 percent burn injuries.
